North Korea Sending Thousands of Workers to Russia for Drone Production
North Korea is dispatching 25,000 workers to Russia to assist in the production of Shahed drones, learning operational tactics while also supporting reconstruction in the Kursk region. This collaboration reinforces military capabilities for both North Korea and Russia amidst ongoing conflicts, particularly impacting Ukraine’s security landscape. Recent reports indicate increased drone production at the Alabuga factory, with rising tensions as these weapons have wreaked havoc in Ukraine.
Recent reports indicate that North Korea is sending tens of thousands of workers to Russia. These workers are expected to aid in the production of Shahed drones, learn operational techniques, and assist with reconstruction efforts in the Kursk region. This development shines a light on the increased collaboration between North Korea and Russia, a point underscored by Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate, in a recent exclusive interview.
Budanov noted that this partnership could significantly alter the security landscape across two continents. The infusion of drones into North Korea’s military arsenal empowers Kim Jong Un with enhanced strike capabilities against South Korea, potentially overwhelming their air defenses. Moreover, for Russia, this move serves to replenish personnel losses sustained during its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. In fact, this latest dispatch of workers follows the introduction of over 11,000 North Korean troops to Russia last October, aimed at providing support in the Kursk region, as first reported here.
Reports from the Japanese outlet NKH, citing diplomatic sources from the West and Russia, reveal that approximately 25,000 North Korean workers will be sent to the Russian Shahed factory located within the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan. The main purpose is to ramp up production of the drones in exchange for training on how to operate these unmanned aircraft. The Alabuga factory, utilizing drone designs from Iran, is currently manufacturing around 2,000 drones per month, with plans to scale that number up to 5,000 soon.
A satellite image circulating on the Ukrainian Dnipro Official Telegram channel hints at a significant expansion at the Alabuga facility, expanding over 340 acres to accommodate the influx of North Korean workers. Reports suggest that construction includes new dormitories for housing additional personnel, featuring two-story units with shared facilities. Such arrangements can host a sizeable number of employees, suggesting an along-the-lines of designed for efficiency.
The increase in drone production is critical, as Shahed drones have turned into key assets for Russia, wreaking havoc across Ukraine since their debut on the battlefield in September 2022. Gradually, these drones have been enhanced with larger payloads and more sophisticated technology, making them a notable threat. Just recently, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched a striking wave of 104 Shahed-type drones towards Ukraine, incorporating other simulator drones as decoys.
Alabuga has frequently been under the target of Ukrainian attacks due to its role in drone production. In June, a unique aerial strike successfully targeted this facility, utilizing an Aeroprakt A-22 plane converted into a drone, which was able to carry a glider filled with explosives, thanks to the removal of the pilot.
Apart from aiding in the drone initiative, North Korea is sending several thousand more workers to Russia to assist in reconstructing the Kursk region— a detail unveiled by Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu post his visit to Pyongyang. According to Shoigu, this includes around 1,000 sappers involved in demining activities and up to 5,000 workers to help restore damaged infrastructure following the destruction witnessed during substantial fighting in the region.
In a past interview, Budanov expressed that Russia is actively helping North Korea develop its own drone capabilities, and, correspondingly, North Korea would continue sending labor to support Russia’s military. There is an understanding that agreements are in place for North Korean territory to begin manufacturing UAVs similar to the Russian Garpiya and Geran types.
In this complex triangle of relations, there is speculation that some North Korean workers might enter contracts with the Russian Defense Ministry, potentially intertwining their roles in military operations. Beyond these perspectives, Budanov disclosed that Moscow is aiding North Korea in enhancing the precision of its KN-23 ballistic missiles, further modernizing the capabilities of its naval and aerial munitions.
These developments could represent a notable shift in military dynamics, benefiting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s strategies while simultaneously creating fresh challenges for Ukraine, already grappling with the increasing presence of Shahed drones.
In summary, North Korea’s decision to send a significant number of workers to Russia for drone production highlights a deepening alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow. This partnership not only solidifies military capacities on both sides but could also shift the balance of power in the region, particularly concerning South Korean defenses. As this collaboration unfolds, the implications for ongoing conflicts in Ukraine remain dire, with resources and countermeasures increasingly stretched. Overall, the situation warrants close observation moving forward.
Original Source: www.twz.com
