Boosting Drone Terrors in Ukraine: Russia's Collaboration with North Korea
Over 25,000 North Korean citizens to aid Russia in orchestrating drone-related acts of terror
For the embattled Ukraine, the morning skies have recently become a terrifying canvas. With hundreds of drones assaulting its cities every night, the relentless attacks by Russia have intensified beyond imagination. Fueling this onslaught appears to be an expansion in Russia's drone production capabilities, aided by a surprising ally—North Korea.
As per reports from Japan's public broadcaster, NHK, North Korea is considering deploying 25,000 workers to bolster Russia's drone production. In return, Pyongyang will receive assistance in the training of operators for unmanned aerial vehicles, according to diplomatic sources cited by NHK.
The production facilities for these drones, notably the Russian variants of the Iranian Shahed-136, are situated predominantly in Alabuga Special Economic Zone, Tatarstan, Russia. With heavy losses in Ukraine and the emigration of many of its citizens, Russia is struggling to maintain its arms industry.
But here's the twist; Russia's reliance on foreign labor hasn't always been straightforward, with some reports suggesting the country falsely entices foreign workers with promises of training only to use them for labour intensive tasks such as drone production. In fact, Moscow seems to be targeting African women from impoverished backgrounds.
This reported collaboration follows a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed between Russia and North Korea last year. Pyongyang has already provided substantial support to Moscow in ammunition and weapons, and thousands of North Koreans have been found fighting alongside the Kremlin’s troops.
Both sides have expressed their eagerness to solidify their partnership further. According to Sergei Shoigu, the Secretary of the Russian Security Council, 1,000 North Korean pioneers are to be sent to the Kursk region, along with 5,000 military builders to assist with reconstruction efforts after the Ukrainian offensive.
The deepening alliance, underscored by North Korea's involvement in Russia's drone production, has serious implications for regional security, military balance, and geopolitics. North Korea's acquisition of drone technology and expertise could significantly enhance their own military capabilities and pose a greater threat, particularly towards South Korea.
Meanwhile, Russia's expanded drone production capacity will enable them to wage drone-based warfare more effectively in Ukraine, strengthening their reconnaissance and attack capabilities. The collaboration serves to reinforce military ties between Russia and North Korea, potentially sparking shifts in the geopolitical landscape.
However, the integral role of North Korean labor force also raises concerns about human and political consequences, being a reflection of the country’s economic constraints and the reliance on external engagements. Thousands of workers and troops involved in foreign conflicts and industrial production could have profound repercussions for the already strained nation.
In essence, the deepening Russia-North Korea drone production alliance, as evidenced by 25,000 North Korean workers being sent to Russian drone production facilities, is a significant escalation in their mutual military-industrial cooperation with significant ramifications for regional security, military balance, geopolitics, economic, and human costs across two continents.
- The collaboration between Russia and North Korea in drone production, as per reports from Japan's public broadcaster NHK, is raising concerns within the community policy over the employment of foreign workers, particularly African women from impoverished backgrounds.
- The deepening political partnership between Russia and North Korea, during a time of ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, is shaping to be a significant news item, with general-news outlets tracking the potential implications for regional security, military balance, geopolitics, and humanitarian issues.
