North Korea Sending Thousands of Workers to Russia for Drone Production
North Korea is dispatching around 25,000 workers to Russia to assist in producing Shahed drones and reconstruction efforts in the Kursk region. This cooperation seeks to enhance military capabilities for both nations amid continued unrest in Ukraine. Reports reveal significant drone production increases and military collaborations that could reshape regional power balances.
North Korea is reportedly preparing to send a staggering number of workers—up to 25,000—to Russia, aiming to assist in the production of Shahed drones and support reconstruction activities in the Kursk region. This development aligns with the increasing collaboration between Pyongyang and Moscow, as highlighted by Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate chief, Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, who recently discussed this deepening relationship in an interview.
The implications of this workforce dispatch are far-reaching. In Budanov’s view, the newly acquired drone capabilities could significantly enhance North Korea’s ability to bypass air defenses and conduct mass strikes against South Korea. From Russia’s perspective, this move would not only expand its drone capabilities but also help alleviate some of the personnel shortages resulting from ongoing conflicts, including the brutal war in Ukraine. Notably, this news follows the previous deployment of over 11,000 North Korean troops to assist in the defense of the Kursk region last October.
Reports suggest that the North Korean workers will primarily be stationed at the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan, Russia. This factory is set to ramp up drone production, as noted by Japanese news outlet NKH, citing diplomatic sources. The factory, produced under Iranian design specifications, currently aims to increase its output from 2,000 to 5,000 drones monthly. It remains to be seen how effective this collaboration will be.
Meanwhile, satellite imagery recently shared on social platforms indicates an expansion of the Alabuga facility, purportedly to accommodate the influx of workers. Images reveal dormitory construction intended for housing additional personnel. Housing units appear to follow a standard design for foreign laborers, featuring two-story buildings that can host multiple individuals sharing essential amenities.
The push for increased Shahed drone production comes amid ongoing conflict with Ukraine, where these drones have been deployed extensively. Since their combat arrival in September 2022, Shahed drones—originally Iranian designs—have reportedly undergone modifications, enabling them to carry larger warheads and operate with a degree of autonomy, thus posing an even greater threat to Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Air Force disclosed that Russia launched a substantial number of drone attacks on Ukraine recently, employing 104 Shahed-type UAVs among others. Consequently, the Alabuga factory has turned into a frequent target for Ukrainian drone strikes, with the most recent information indicating an attack initiated by Ukrainian forces, leveraging an explosive-laden drone configuration.
In addition to aiding Russia’s drone initiative, North Korea is sending several thousand workers to assist in reconstruction efforts in the Kursk region. Sergey Shoigu, Security Council Secretary, announced this development, which includes around 1,000 specialists dedicated to demining and approximately 5,000 workers focused on restoring vital infrastructure in areas heavily affected by ongoing skirmishes.
In conclusion, North Korea’s decision to send thousands of workers to Russia marks a significant shift in the dynamics between these nations, potentially intensifying military capabilities in the region. The collaboration appears mutual; North Korea benefits from operational training while Russia bolsters its drone arsenal. This move raises concerns regarding the increasing threat to Ukraine’s security amid an ongoing conflict that, according to analysts, shows no signs of abating.
Original Source: www.twz.com
