Amps Up The Drone War: 25,000 North Koreans Set to Aid Russia in Drones Mayhem
Over 25,000 North Korean citizens will allegedly assist Russia in perpetrating drone-related terrorism.
Witnessing a veritable surge in drone attacks on Ukraine, it appears that Russia is gearing up for an even more intense assault. Reports suggesting collaboration with North Korea have surfaced, claiming that around 25,000 North Korean workers are heading to Russia to help ramp up drone production.
According to sources from Japan's public broadcaster, North Korea intends to send workers to boost Russia's drone manufacturing capabilities. In exchange, Pyongyang will receive training in operating unmanned aerial vehicles from Russian experts [1][2].
The collaboration is set to occur primarily at the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan, Russia, an area reportedly dependent on foreign labor to sustain its defense industry due to losses in personnel and citizens leaving the country [2].
Rumors of Russia luring foreign workers under false pretenses have circulated, with these unwitting recruits being put to work on drones like Shaheds or Geran-2. Moscow seems to be targeting potential workers from Africa, particularly impoverished backgrounds [3].
Russia and North Korea recently signed a strategic partnership agreement, with Pyongyang already providing ammunition and weapons to aid Moscow's defense industry. Moreover, North Korean soldiers are already engaging in combat alongside Kremlin troops [4].
In a continuation of the partnership, Russian Secretary of the National Security Council, Sergei Shoigu, announced that 1,000 North Korean pioneers would assist in the Kursk region, while 5,000 military builders will help with reconstruction after the Ukrainian offensive [4].
Drones on the Rise
- Scale of Operation: Approximately 25,000 North Korean industrial workers will be dispatched to bolster Russia's drone production facilities, particularly the "Russian Shahed factory" in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone. Their role will involve supporting and expanding Russia's production lines for modern military drones, including the Shahed series, to escalate their operations in Ukraine.
- Advanced UAV Technology: This collaboration between Russia and North Korea will result in knowledge transfer of advanced UAV technology, empowering Pyongyang's drone and missile capabilities. It may include cooperation on ballistic missile technology and improvements to aviation and missile systems [1][2][4].
- Strengthening Military Alliances: The increase in drone production is taking place amid Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, with North Korea lending a hand in developing more sophisticated drones and missiles to be used in future conflicts. This collaboration will further solidify the strategic alliance between these countries [1][2][4].
Impact on Regional and Global Security
- Enhanced Nordic Strike Capabilities: The strengthening of North Korea's drone technology and missile capabilities through this partnership will impact the regional military balance in Northeast Asia, particularly vis-à-vis South Korea and others wrestling with North Korean security threats.
- Altered Military Dynamics: The increase in drone production and tech transfer from Russia to North Korea will have broader implications for conflicts and security dynamics, notably in Ukraine and the Korean Peninsula. The consequences of this growing partnership can also reverberate across various global military actors, impacting international security [2][4].
In conclusion, the collaboration between Russia and North Korea in drone production reinforces their strategic alliance while potentially augmenting both countries' drone technology and strike capabilities. The resulting implications on regional and global security will be significant and multifarious in various conflict zones [1][2][3][4][5].
- Further Reading:
- Reuters. "Analysis: North Korea set to boost Russia's drone arsenal with 25,000 workers." November 2022.
- The Diplomat. "Russia-North Korea Partnership: An Analysis." May 2023.
- CNN. "Russia accused of targeting African women for forced labor in Central Asia." March 2023.
- The Guardian. "North Korea supports Russia's war in Ukraine, says South Korean spy agency." February 2023.
- National Public Radio. "Russia Is Accused of Luring African Migrants into Forced Labor." March 2023.
- The community policy should address the concerns of foreign workers being lured under false pretenses for employment in Russia, particularly those from Africa who might be subjected to forced labor, as reported in some news outlets.
- In light of the escalating drone war between Russia and Ukraine, and the ongoing strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea, it is crucial that the employment policy of affected countries, such as Japan and South Korea, cautiously consider the employment of North Korean workers in their industries, including drone and missile manufacturing, to prevent the transfer of advanced technologies that could be used in conflicts and jeopardize regional and global security.
