By Johnny Franks, Warrior Editorial Fellow
It is increasingly understood that North Korea has emerged as the clandestine armorer to Russia, its factories whirring night and day to supply the munitions that could tilt the scales of conflict against the West. However, new reports indicate that North Korean factories are operating at full capacity to churn out arms for Russia. This troubling revelation reflects deepening military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow as the Ukraine crisis rages on. This collaboration has raised international concerns about the conflict escalating into a broader global war due to the exchange of advanced weapon technologies and strategic implications from such an alliance.
Reports indicate that since early August 2023, Pyongyang has dispatched more than 3 million rounds of 152 mm artillery shells or more than 500,000 rounds of 122 mm multiple rocket launchers to Moscow to strengthen Russian military capacity to be used against Ukraine. In return, it is believed that Russia shares with North Korea satellite technology and expertise as a display of the two countries’ weapons and technical support. The report said this “arms-for-liftoff” deal aims to highlight a strategic partnership to boost North Korea’s defense capabilities while replenishing Russia’s munition supply, which has been dwindling due to the war in Ukraine, said South Korea’s National Intelligence Service.
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Furthermore, the cooperation is not limited to artillery shells. Russia has received several dozens of such types of North Korean ballistic missiles, which so far Moscow has used on Ukrainian territory. Most of these weapons are exceptionally effective, especially considering Ukraine has limited options to defend against ballistic missiles. Such aid is critical to Russia since the production of its missiles can hardly keep up with the usage and remain at the required levels, not to mention replacing the thousands of rockets fired since the conflict started in February 2022.
The involvement of North Korea has been well documented, including intricate logistics details such as sea and rail shipments. Munitions are believed to be shipped from North Korea to Russian ports, then forwarded on to the front lines in Ukraine by train. Such an operation not only reveals the extent of military cooperation; it also sets an example of the strategic use of North Korea’s production capability to influence the conflict in Ukraine.
Using the Tumangang-Khasan railroad crossing for arms shipments suggests the resumption of strategic trade between North Korea and Russia. Analysis of commercial satellite imagery has shown a massive increase in railcar traffic between the two countries in recent months, which indicates a focused effort to aid Russia in avoiding international sanctions.
The full-capacity operation of North Korean factories producing arms for Russia, along with the exchange of critical technologies, underscores an alliance of strategy not only affecting the conflict in Ukraine but also indicating a dangerous shift toward the potential for a broader global war. This partnership, especially in weapon technology and strategic capability, poses the most significant challenge to international security and stability. This situation brings to light the emergence of a modern-day axis of evil, prominently featuring Russia alongside North Korea, Iran, and Syria, among others. Each of these nations has been implicated in actions that destabilize regional and global peace, from nuclear proliferation and support for militant groups to direct involvement in ongoing conflicts and cyber warfare. This axis undermines international norms through its military, technological, and strategic collaborations and represents a concerted challenge to the rules-based international order.
Johnny Franks holds an MA in U.S. Foreign Policy & National Security from American University and a BA in Diplomacy & World Affairs from Occidental College. With a specific interest in geopolitical security and military technology, Johnny has primarily focused his research and analysis on the Russia-Ukraine conflict from 2014 onwards. As part of his MA coursework, Johnny contributed to developing an Arctic defense strategy in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense
