North Korea Sends Skilled Defense Technology Workers to Russia
Dispatched to Russian Defense Contractors and Aerospace Industry
Active Exchanges Also Underway in Economic, Cultural, and Health Sectors

As the Russia–Ukraine war continues to drag on, North Korea is reportedly expanding its military support for Russia by sending personnel. Analysts say that Pyongyang is now going beyond arms shipments to directly bolster Russia’s war capabilities by supplying industrial labor essential to sustaining its war effort.

Even Defense Industry Experts Head to Russia

On May 26 (local time), Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SIFU) revealed in an interview with state-run news agency Ukrinform that North Korea has officially begun dispatching skilled workers to Russia’s defense and aviation industries. Oleh Ivashchenko, Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service, stated, “North Korea has begun supplying experts with suitable experience to work in the defense industry sector, particularly in aircraft manufacturing.” He added, “The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is also providing labor for agriculture, housing construction, and highway development.”

According to Ukrainian intelligence, North Korea sent a total of 13,800 workers to Russia last year. What has now been newly confirmed is that, in addition to agricultural and construction workers, technicians are being sent to work in the defense and aircraft manufacturing industries.

Earlier Ukrainian media reports indicated that North Korea had supplied Russia with ammunition, 170mm M1989 Koksan guns, 240mm M1991 multiple rocket launchers, and military personnel. When asked whether North Korean troops were engaged in direct hostilities on Ukrainian soil, Ivashchenko responded, “They are stationed in the Kursk region, which borders southern Russia,” and added, “There are no confirmed records of North Korean troops in occupied Ukrainian territory, but artillery units of theirs have appeared in several regions, including Kherson.”

Russia May Provide Nuclear Technology to North Korea

Ukrainian intelligence believes that Russia might provide North Korea with nuclear weapons-related technology in exchange for North Korean labor deployment. The reported goal of the North Korean delegation is to upgrade MiG-29 and Su-25 fighter jets, as well as to acquire capabilities for aircraft assembly and radar development. If these technologies are transferred, North Korea is expected to enhance its missile defense and evasion capabilities. This would also help narrow the air force power gap and strengthen its reconnaissance abilities.

North Korea had reportedly requested technology transfers from Russia in February last year to bolster its air force capabilities. According to sources, once the transfer is completed, North Korea aims to complete an aircraft assembly line by the end of the year. Additionally, it is reported that North Korea plans to deliver hundreds of short-range ballistic missiles to Russia by the end of next month, including several hundred 152mm and 122mm artillery shells, KN-23 tactical guided missiles, and K-24 super-large multiple rocket launchers.

North Korean Economic and Health Delegation Visits Russia

North Korea and Russia are actively expanding their cooperation not only in the military sphere but also in areas such as the economy, culture, and healthcare. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), a North Korean government economic delegation—led by Minister of External Economic Relations Yun Jong-ho, who also serves as the North Korean chair of the "Intergovernmental Commission for Trade, Economic, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation" (hereafter referred to as the Economic Joint Commission)—visited Russia in March. While the specific purpose of the visit was not reported in detail, it is known that both sides discussed strengthening economic cooperation.

Previously, in November of last year, the North Korea–Russia Economic Joint Commission held its 11th meeting in Pyongyang, during which the two countries discussed specific areas of cooperation in energy, agriculture, science and technology, healthcare, and tourism. At that time, Chairman Kim Jong-un personally welcomed and saw off Alexander Kozlov, Russia’s Minister of Natural Resources, outside the building—an unusually warm gesture reflecting strong bilateral ties.

Earlier that same month, a Russian Foreign Ministry delegation led by Andrey Rudenko, Deputy Foreign Minister in charge of Asia-Pacific affairs, visited Pyongyang, prior to the North Korean delegation's visit to Russia. During their visit, the Russian delegates reportedly held talks with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui and had vice-ministerial-level meetings with Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Jong-kyu.

Rudenko’s visit appears to have been aimed at reviewing the implementation of the "Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" signed between North Korea and Russia last year. Additionally, it is suggested that the delegation may have discussed Russia’s position on ceasefire negotiations with Ukraine, as well as potential cooperation from North Korea in the form of additional troop dispatches or prisoner repatriation.