North Korean troops deployed in Russia are adapting rapidly and acquiring firsthand experience in modern war with Russian military support, an alarming advance that could reformulate security dynamics in East Asia, warned the head of Military Intelligence of Ukraine. This development is particularly concerning, as it suggests that North Korea is leveraging its involvement in the conflict to enhance its military capabilities.
According to Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Ukraine Military Intelligence Agency, “Despite the great casualties, North Korean forces continue to participate actively in joint operations with Russian troops.” In an exclusive interview with the South Korean newspaper The Chosun Ilbo, Budanov noted that this war has mobilized all the military capabilities of the nations involved, with only three countries – Russia, Russia, and North Korea – acquiring direct experience in a large-scale war in the 21st century. “The North Korean Army of the future will be fundamentally different from its past,” he emphasized.
Budanov estimated that around 4,000 North Korean soldiers have died or been seriously injured, yet this has not stopped their action on the front. Kyiv estimates that approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed, although they do not operate independently but are integrated into Russian units, carrying out joint operations in small groups instead of maintaining their own positions on the front line. As Budanov explained, “They move as part of larger Russian formations, executing combined operations.”
Regarding the possibility of more North Korean deployments, Budanov told The Chosun that there was no concrete evidence of additional special forces or infantry reinforcements. However, he acknowledged that “there has been a clear increase in artillery and missile operation units, together with support staff.” This shift in military strategy could have significant implications for the region.
Enhanced Military Capabilities
The number two of the agency, Vadym Skibitskyi, revealed that around 1,000 North Korean soldiers are currently receiving training with new military teams and have demonstrated a great learning capacity. As previously warned, “North Korean soldiers learn fast and adapt to modern tactics and combat strategies in just a few months,” Skibitskyi said. “Their effectiveness in combat has improved drastically, not only with conventional weapons such as tanks but also with advanced systems such as drones.”
Collaboration and Technological Advancements
Budanov noted that North Korea and Russia are strengthening military cooperation in multiple sectors, including technology, science, and industry. This collaboration is reaching the highest levels and represents a great threat to the international community. As an example, Budanov cited the KN-23 missile that North Korea supplied to Russia. Initially, its precision was very poor, with a margin of error between 500 and 1,500 meters. However, Russian missile experts made technical modifications that solved the problem, and now the missile is much more precise and represents a much greater threat.
The implications of this technological advance are far-reaching, with serious security consequences for South Korea and Japan, both within the reach of North Korea’s missiles. As Budanov warned, “North Korea is using this war to gain experience in combat and modernize its military technology. This will have lasting consequences for the security scene in the Asia-Pacific region.” Ultimately, the rapid advancement of North Korea’s military capabilities, coupled with its collaboration with Russia, poses a significant challenge to regional and global security.