Pyongyang Starts Mass Drone Production as Russia Shares Missile Data

North Korea has begun mass-producing attack drones while refining its ballistic missile capabilities, according to a report published Thursday by The New York Times.

The newspaper states that this expansion is driven by a deepening military partnership with Russia. Moscow is providing military developments to Pyongyang in exchange for soldiers, workers, and weapons. This cooperation intensified after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. As part of this exchange, up to 25,000 North Korean citizens are believed to be working at Russian military plants, including facilities in Alabuga, Tatarstan, where they produce military drones.

The alliance has produced tangible results in North Korea's recent testing. In early October, Pyongyang tested a tactical ballistic missile that officials said could carry a nuclear payload. South Korea and Japan estimated the missile traveled approximately 700 kilometers, while North Korea claimed a range of 1,000 kilometers. Analyst Anton Ponomarenko told the newspaper that access to Russian deployment data and feedback has helped improve the accuracy and maneuverability of North Korean weapons. He described the threat to South Korea as more substantial as a result.

South Korea responded to the October test with its own first test-fire of a hypersonic ballistic missile, conducted five days after the North's launch. President Lee Jae Myung observed the event. The New York Times characterized the move as a sign that Seoul is increasingly uneasy about the rapid progress of North Korea's missile technology.

Beyond missiles, Russia has assisted North Korea in building unmanned systems. The report notes that Pyongyang has observed how inexpensive drones can overwhelm costly air defense systems in Ukraine and the Middle East. During a drill last month, a North Korean drone swarm attacked a target island simultaneously with cruise and ballistic missiles launched from different directions. The newspaper argues that these evolving tactics will force South Korea and its allies to redesign their air defenses at significant cost.

A North Korean missile forces unit has begun deploying in western Russia. The unit may be equipped with 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers for strikes against Ukraine. This follows a request made by Russia in August for KN-30 ballistic missiles. In June, North Korea also announced tests of a modernized 240mm multiple-launch rocket system, a tactical ballistic missile, and a 155mm long-range artillery shell.