Hundreds of North Korean Drone Operators Deploying to Russia to Support War Effort

Military Watch Magazine Editorial Staff

August-23rd-2026

Korean People’s Army Personnel in the Russian Kursk Region

The Korean People’s Army is reportedly sending a specialised contingent of drone operators to Russia, potentially marking a significant expansion of North Korea’s direct involvement in the ongoing Russian war effort in the Ukrainian theatre. Ukrainian intelligence officials reported that among the estimated 8,500 North Korean military personnel in Russia, around 400 were drone operators. The latest contingent reportedly also includes approximately 1,000 engineers and sappers, most of whom are deployed in Russia’s Kursk region. 

Korean People’s Army Mine Warfare Personnel in the Russian Kursk Region - X

The deployment of drone operations marks a significant escalation of North Korea’s participation in the war effort, and closely follows reports that Korean People’s Army personnel were also manning new ballistic missile units that were being employed in the Ukrainian theatre. Ukrainian sources indicate that drones are expected to perform both reconnaissance and strike missions, potentially allowing North Korean personnel to participate directly in attacks against Ukrainian territory without crossing the border into Russia. Russia was in 2022 reported to also be receiving support from Iranian drone operators due to the large scale exports of single use attack drones from the country. 

North Korean Long Range Reconnaissance Drone - KCNA

The deployment of drone operators provides an opportunity to acquire practical experience of modern warfare, as Ukraine has become an intensive testing ground for drones, electronic warfare, precision artillery and reconnaissance systems. North Korea has already had personnel exposed to these conditions through earlier deployments. Experience gained could be transferred back to other Korean People’s Army units, potentially influencing North Korean tactics and doctrine.

Russian Geran-2 Single Use Drone and Production Facility - North Korean Workers Are Reportedly Employed Here

North Korea is reported to have provided significant support for Russia’s drone industry, with the Alabuga Factory that license produces Iranian drone designs reported in June 2025 to be receiving an influx of 25,000 North Korean industrial workers to help increase production. This corroborated prior reports from Ukrainian intelligence officials, with North Korea’s sizeable industrial workforce with high levels of technical education were expected to make this support highly prized. Russia is expected to make significant transfers of drone technologies and knowhow to its neighbour, likely to cover some of the costs of its vast defence procurements from the country.