The North Korea drone program is rapidly advancing with direct support from Russia, raising concerns among global security experts. According to Ukrainian intelligence, Pyongyang has already established production lines for strike drones using foreign technology.
On Thursday, Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, confirmed this development in a Telegram post. He explained that Russia played a key role in setting up drone production facilities inside North Korea.
Importantly, these drones are modeled after the Shahed, an Iranian-designed suicide drone. Russia uses a modified version known as the Geran. Now, North Korea is producing these same models locally, as part of its growing military capabilities.
In addition to production support, Russia is also helping train North Korean drone operators. Russian instructors are currently stationed in Pyongyang, as well as in Wonsan, a port city on North Korea’s east coast. These trainers are reportedly based near Kalma airfield, where they are instructing pilots in both strike and combat drone operations.
Ukraine’s military intelligence first revealed these details last month. They stated that Russia agreed to transfer key drone technology to North Korea. This agreement followed increased defense cooperation between the two nations in recent years.
Notably, the North Korea drone program gained momentum after the two countries signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty last June. Since then, military and technological collaboration has deepened.
This partnership reflects broader geopolitical shifts as Moscow and Pyongyang seek to counter Western influence. By expanding drone capabilities, both countries are strengthening their military readiness and strategic deterrence.
Furthermore, North Korea continues to invest heavily in weapons development despite international sanctions. The addition of Russian drone expertise gives Pyongyang a significant edge in future military planning.
Meanwhile, global security analysts warn that this collaboration could destabilize regional security. The North Korea drone program, now enhanced with Russian guidance, may soon play a central role in regional power dynamics.
As tensions rise in Northeast Asia, governments around the world will closely monitor these developments. The evolution of the North Korea drone program signals a new era of strategic coordination between Pyongyang and Moscow.
