North Korea Sending Thousands of Workers to Russia for Drone Production

North Korea is sending up to 25,000 workers to Russia to aid in drone production and reconstruction efforts in the Kursk region. This growing collaboration aligns with Russia’s need for manpower amid its conflict in Ukraine. Enhanced military capabilities for both nations, especially with drone technology, could significantly impact security in both regions.

North Korea is reportedly dispatching tens of thousands of workers to Russia to aid in the production of drones, enhance operational skills, and support reconstruction efforts, particularly in the Kursk region. This information aligns with statements from the head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, indicating a tightening relationship between Pyongyang and Moscow. These developments could potentially reshape security dynamics across both Asia and Europe.

Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov mentioned in a recent interview that the introduction of drones will enhance North Korea’s ability to penetrate air defenses and strike across South Korea with greater force. For Russia, this collaboration not only replenishes its drone arsenal but also compensates for significant personnel losses sustained during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The situation reflects North Korea’s continued involvement following their deployment of more than 11,000 troops to Russia last October.

According to a report from the Japanese news outlet NKH, as many as 25,000 North Korean workers are set to be sent to a Shahed drone factory located in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone of Tatarstan. Sources indicate that the primary objective is to ramp up drone production while providing training for the use of these unmanned aerial vehicles. Currently, the factory, utilizing Iranian designs, is producing around 2,000 drones monthly, with aspirations to boost this figure to 5,000.

Recent satellite imagery shared on the Ukrainian Dnipro Official Telegram channel suggests a considerable expansion of the Alabuga facility to accommodate the incoming workforce. The images seem to show construction of new dormitories designed for foreign workers, which typically consist of two-story buildings with rooms designed to house four people.

The Dnipro Official Telegram channel has been closely monitoring the situation, stating that production of Shahed drones is increasing and that Russia is unlikely to stop. These drones have emerged as Russia’s primary long-range weapon, capable of inflicting widespread damage throughout Ukraine since first being deployed in September 2022. Enhancements in technology have included larger warheads and new features that provide increased automation.

Recently, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched an astonishing 104 Shahed-type UAVs and various simulator drones aimed at Ukraine. Given the substantial impact of these attacks, the Alabuga plant has been frequently targeted by Ukrainian drone strikes, with the most recent attack occurring on June 15. Ukrainian forces announced that they struck a significant facility within Russia’s military-industrial complex.

Additionally, North Korea is sending thousands of workers to assist with reconstruction in the Kursk region. Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu noted that this includes a specialized contingent of around 1,000 sappers for demining and approximately 5,000 workers dedicated to restoring damaged infrastructure. The Kursk area has faced intense fighting due to recent assaults by Ukraine.

In a June 9 interview, Budanov highlighted that ongoing agreements may enable North Korea to develop its UAV technologies further with Russian assistance. He noted that there are plans for creating the capabilities necessary for producing various types of unmanned aerial vehicles on North Korean soil, potentially tipping the military balance in the region.

Moreover, Budanov predicted that Shoigu would finalize agreements to introduce North Korean workers into Russia’s labor market, substituting less stable workers from Central Asia. He speculated that these labor migrants might eventually end up signing contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defense.

Finally, Budanov asserted that Russia has assisted North Korea in improving the accuracy of its ballistic missiles and upgrading its air-to-air missiles and naval capabilities. Such developments would undeniably strengthen Russia’s position in the ongoing conflict, presenting a daunting challenge for Ukraine as it braces for an increase in drone assaults.

The collaboration between North Korea and Russia signifies an increasingly intertwined military relationship, with North Korean workers set to bolster Russia’s drone production capabilities while also assisting in regional reconstruction efforts. As both nations enhance their military assets, especially concerning drone technology, the security landscape across Asia and Europe may shift markedly. The implications for Ukraine remain concerning, as they anticipate a surge in drone attacks amidst their ongoing struggle.

Original Source: www.twz.com