North Korea is likely preparing to supply Russia with kamikaze drones and additional troops, according to South Korean intelligence reports.
North Korea is likely preparing to deploy additional troops in Russia and provide the Kremlin with military equipment, including kamikaze drones. The Kremlin is utilizing the contingent and weaponry supplied by Pyongyang in its war against Ukraine. This was reported by the Yonhap News Agency, as noted by UNN.
Details
The assessment from the intelligence services of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) was made in light of Seoul's information regarding the dispatch of thousands of North Korean soldiers to Russia, which is conducting a large-scale military aggression against Ukraine and experiencing casualties among North Korean troops during the fighting.
According to the South Korean intelligence agency, the estimated number of casualties among North Korean military personnel currently stands at approximately 1,100 (it is not specified whether this refers to the dead or wounded, or to overall sanitary and combat losses combined).
"A comprehensive evaluation of numerous intelligence data indicates that North Korea is preparing to rotate or increase troop deployment (in Russia), while supplying 240mm multiple launch rocket systems and 170mm self-propelled artillery," stated the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea (JCS) on Monday, December 23.
The South Korean military department also reported "some signs" that North Korea is transitioning to the production and supply of kamikaze drones, which were "first showcased during Kim Jong Un's (North Korean leader) inspection in November."
The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea explained this move as an effort by Pyongyang to gain practical combat experience and modernize its conventional weapons system.
Last month, North Korean state media reported that Kim Jong Un observed the testing of various types of kamikaze drones.
The North Korean dictator also called for the full-scale production of this type of weapon, which is becoming increasingly important in modern warfare due to its cost-effectiveness.