North Korea is sending more troops and equipment to aid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine ⬇️

The War Zone has a great update on Ukraine intelligence reporting on North Korea sending significant amounts of additional self propelled and rocket artillery units. While the hermit kingdom can be erratic, the Atlantic Council makes clear there is a significant payoff for Kim Jong Un’s regime ⬇️

“Sending thousands of troops to fight in the Russian invasion of Ukraine provides the KPA with valuable insights into what is widely recognized as the most technologically advanced battlefield environment in the history of warfare. North Korean soldiers are now learning the realities of modern drone warfare first-hand. As a result, North Korea will be ‘more capable of waging war against its neighbors,’ senior US officials have warned.”

A few observations on the implications of North Korea fighting in coalition with the Russians:

  • In a large scale combat operation you make the most of what is available. Rapid introduction into service of new equipment that isn’t perfect but has an effect. North Korea’s massive arsenal of self propelled artillery, multi launch rocket systems and munitions is a reminder that quantity has quality all of its own.
  • There is no substitute to testing tactics, weapons and equipment in combat. North Korea is getting valuable real time feedback in Ukraine on what works and what doesn’t. South Korea however is currently not – key platforms like K9s, Chun Moo, K2 Black Panther yet to see combat.
  • North Korea will receive a war dividend as result of their contribution to conflict. Aid in mitigating sanctions, increased two way trade with Russia, technological support for advanced systems in addition to the lessons learned from combat.

Closer ties and engagement amongst the Arc of Autocracies is something to be watched carefully.

📸 via The War Zone