North Korea Sends Additional Troops to Russia in Ongoing Support for War Efforts

North Korea has sent 3,000 additional troops to Russia in support of the war in Ukraine, along with significant military resources. High casualty rates among these troops are attributed to difficulties in modern warfare adaptation and poor Russian command. Kim Jong Un’s support for Russia signals potential technology transfers that could enhance North Korea’s military capabilities, particularly in drone technology.

According to a recent assessment by South Korea’s military, North Korea has dispatched roughly 3,000 additional troops to Russia during January and February. This action is part of ongoing support for Russian President Vladimir Putin in the conflict against Ukraine. The South’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported an increase in military supplies, including missiles, artillery, and ammunition, contingent upon the evolving war situation.

The assessment indicates that North Korea has supplied significant military equipment, comprising short-range ballistic missiles, 170-millimeter self-propelled howitzers, and approximately 220 units of 240-millimeter multiple rocket launchers. Since its involvement in this conflict, North Korea has contributed around 11,000 troops, with an estimated 4,000 casualties.

The National Intelligence Service of South Korea has linked the high casualty rate to North Korean forces’ difficulties in adapting to advanced warfare techniques, particularly the use of drones. Additionally, inadequacies in Russian military leadership have led to strategies that leave North Korean troops vulnerable during assaults.

Despite these challenges, Ukrainian officials assert that North Korean forces are acquiring valuable combat experience. The recent military report follows a meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Sergei Shoigu, a leading Russian security official, where Kim reiterated his support for Russia’s initiative in Ukraine.

Furthermore, Kim’s backing for Russia raises concerns regarding the possibility of technology transfers from Russia, particularly in drone technology, which may enhance North Korea’s military capabilities. North Korean state media recently noted Kim’s supervision of tests involving newly developed reconnaissance and attack drones, with an emphasis on increasing their production to modernize the armed forces.

In his evaluation of these capabilities, Kim declared drones and artificial intelligence as top priorities for military advancement. Observations from these tests suggest the potential for enhanced intelligence gathering and the ability to execute various military missions. South Korean military experts have speculated that North Korea may be exaggerating the effectiveness of the new reconnaissance drone, which resembles existing technology modified for early-warning functions.

In conclusion, North Korea’s military engagement in support of Russia has intensified, with an additional 3,000 troops deployed, alongside substantial military equipment supplies. The situation reflects ongoing collaboration with Russia, which raises concerns over technological exchanges. As North Korea enhances its drone capabilities, it illustrates a significant shift in its military strategy, potentially impacting the balance of power in the region.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com