Military Exchange: North Korea Starts Mass Drone Production With Russian Support

The New York Times reports that North Korea has initiated mass production of attack drones and continues to refine its ballistic missile capabilities, a shift driven by its expanding cooperation with Russia. Moscow is transferring military technology to Pyongyang in exchange for troops, laborers, and weapons.

The two nations strengthened their military ties following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since then, North Korea has modernized its armed forces using Russian assistance. This exchange involves the transfer of deployment data and technical feedback, which analysts say has improved the accuracy and maneuverability of North Korean weapons.

In early October, Pyongyang tested a tactical ballistic missile that it claims can carry a nuclear payload. South Korea and Japan estimated the missile flew approximately 700 km, while North Korea claimed a range of 1,000 km. South Korea responded five days later by test-firing its own hypersonic ballistic missile for the first time. President Lee Jae Myung observed the launch.

Analyst Anton Ponomarenko stated that access to Russian data has made the threat to South Korea more substantial. The New York Times noted that Pyongyang has observed how inexpensive drones can overwhelm costly air defense systems in Ukraine and the Middle East. This has informed North Korea’s recent tactics.

During a drill last month, a North Korean drone swarm attacked a target island while cruise and ballistic missiles struck it simultaneously from different directions. The report suggests these evolving tactics will force South Korea and its allies to redesign their air defense systems at high cost.

Bloomberg reported in September that Russia is using North Korean citizens to produce military drones at facilities in Alabuga, Tatarstan. Up to 25,000 North Koreans are believed to be working at Russian military plants. A North Korean missile forces unit, potentially equipped with 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers, has begun deploying in western Russia.

Ukrainska Pravda previously reported that Russia requested KN-30 ballistic missiles from North Korea in August. In June 2026, North Korea announced tests of a modernized 240mm multiple-launch rocket system, a tactical ballistic missile, and a 155mm long-range artillery shell.