Russia is set to help North Korea begin manufacturing Shahed-series kamikaze drones, originally developed by Iran. These low-cost, high-impact drones have been central to Russia’s strike strategy in Ukraine, particularly targeting urban and energy infrastructure across the country.
Ukrainian intelligence director Kyrylo Budanov warned that such a transfer of military capability could aggravate already fragile relations on the Korean Peninsula. It introduces advanced asymmetric weapons to Pyongyang, giving it new tools to challenge the US-South Korea alliance and modernize its outdated airstrike capabilities.
North Korea’s backing of Russia in the Ukraine conflict has grown from diplomatic support to potential troop and logistics cooperation. In turn, Moscow is offering advanced defense technology and production know-how. The evolving partnership may soon include co-development of other weapons platforms, raising global security concerns.
