North Korea is reportedly preparing to locally manufacture Iranian-designed Shahed drones with help from Russia. These drones, known for their effectiveness in Russia’s Ukraine operations, are compact, long-range, and difficult to intercept using traditional air defense systems.
Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said this could escalate tensions in East Asia by equipping North Korea with new offensive capabilities. He stressed that these loitering drones may enable Pyongyang to adopt new strike tactics similar to those used in Ukraine, potentially threatening regional infrastructure and military installations.
Russia appears to be exchanging drone technology for strategic gains in manpower and resources from North Korea. Experts believe Moscow aims to build a network of military allies that can offer both logistical support and ideological alignment, especially as sanctions and diplomatic isolation continue to pressure both regimes.
