N. Korea Learns From Ukraine War, Boosts Military Threat

N. Korea Learns From Ukraine War, Boosts Military Threat

North Korea is leveraging its involvement in Russia’s war in Ukraine to significantly upgrade its military capabilities and bolster its nuclear threat. The reclusive nation is reportedly gaining crucial knowledge of modern warfare, including drone defense and electronic warfare, by sending soldiers and weapons to support Moscow’s invasion. This exchange is not only modernizing Kim Jong-un’s armed forces but also fueling a powerful propaganda campaign at home and abroad.

A Growing Partnership

The relationship between North Korea and Russia has deepened significantly, with an estimated 14,000 North Korean soldiers reportedly sent to aid Moscow’s war effort. These soldiers are said to have been embedded with Russian units, participating in combat and gaining firsthand experience on a modern battlefield. In return for this support, North Korea is believed to be receiving valuable technological and tactical insights. This partnership is seen as a dangerous development for international security, as it allows North Korea to learn and adapt from the conflict in Europe.

Gaining Modern Warfare Knowledge

Military analysts suggest that North Korea’s participation in the Ukraine war is providing invaluable lessons. “They know how to defend missiles. They know how to defend drones,” stated one observer, highlighting the practical knowledge being acquired. This includes understanding how to counter various types of drones, from small FPV (first-person view) models to long-distance ones. Furthermore, North Korea is learning about electronic warfare, a critical aspect of modern combat. This knowledge is expected to be gradually integrated into the North Korean armed forces over the next five years, making them more capable in conducting combat operations.

Technological Advancements

Beyond tactical knowledge, North Korea is also acquiring advanced technology from Russia. Reports indicate that Russia has supplied North Korea with systems like the Pantsir air defense system and naval anti-missile systems. There is also speculation that Russia is sharing expertise in areas such as submarine technology, potentially including nuclear submarine capabilities. This influx of technology is helping North Korea improve its existing weapon systems, making them more accurate and effective. The combat experience gained in Ukraine is particularly valuable for North Korea’s drone program, allowing them to refine their understanding of UAV warfare, including techniques like frequency hopping and switching between navigation systems.

The Nuclear Question

A significant concern is the potential for Russia to share nuclear technology with North Korea. While concrete evidence remains elusive, experts have testified before the UK parliament about the possibility of Russia leveraging North Korean capabilities in exchange for critical nuclear knowledge. North Korea recently unveiled images of what it claims is its first nuclear-powered submarine, a project prioritized by Kim Jong-un. While the extent of Russian involvement is unverified, this development, coupled with the acquisition of advanced technology, raises alarms about Pyongyang’s growing nuclear ambitions. “Nothing really hard has come out,” noted military analyst Joseph Bermudez regarding direct nuclear technology transfer, “You just can’t produce ICBMs and nuclear weapons without smart, dedicated people, and North Korea has those.”

Propaganda and Control

North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine war has also become a potent propaganda tool for Kim Jong-un. After initially denying any North Korean presence, the regime has now acknowledged casualties, glorifying fallen soldiers as martyrs. A new housing complex has been built for the families of troops killed in action. Analysts believe this is a strategic move to create a shared narrative with Russia, portraying the conflict as a righteous fight against the West. It also serves to preemptively quell potential dissent or unrest within North Korea over the mounting number of casualties. This proactive approach to managing public perception is seen as a sign of Kim Jong-un’s increasing astuteness.

An Escalating Threat

With a leader seemingly willing to take extreme measures and a military rapidly gaining sophisticated knowledge and technology, North Korea poses an escalating threat to global security. The danger is not necessarily new, but the capability and efficiency with which that danger can be enacted are growing. This evolution raises serious questions about Kim Jong-un’s ultimate goals and ambitions, and what steps he may take next on the international stage.

Source: North Korea: Learning by doing in Ukraine war | DW News (YouTube)