DPRK is preparing to send troops to Donbas: they will do what they are top experts at
27 June 2024 10:10
North Korea plans to send military construction and engineering forces to the occupied Donetsk region of Ukraine as early as July 2024 to take part in reconstruction work. This information was made public by South Korean TV Chosun on 21 June, citing a South Korean government official, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
According to TV Chosun, the North Korean military has 10 engineering brigades at its disposal. The network estimates that if North Korea sends 3-4 of these brigades to occupied Ukraine, it could receive up to $115 million annually from Russia (albeit in an unspecified foreign currency).
on 25 June, Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder said that the United States was closely monitoring these developments. He also suggested that North Korea should reconsider its decision to send its forces in order to avoid becoming “cannon fodder” in Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
on 19 June, Russia and North Korea signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin later tried to downplay the significance of this agreement and the possibility of North Korean troops in Ukraine.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) noted that Russia is likely seeking to create a coalition of friendly states that have historically warm ties with the Soviet Union, including North Korea and Vietnam. The goal of this coalition is to form the basis of an alternative world order.
ISW has not yet observed any reports that North Korean military personnel intend to take part in hostilities in Ukraine. However, direct engineering support from North Korea could free up Russian military forces for operations along the front line. It could also help Russia expand its military infrastructure and defensive fortifications in the occupied territories of Ukraine.
Military expert Yigal Levin noted on his Telegram channel that North Koreans are good at military engineering.
“…I even know what they will do – build fortifications, tunnels and other infantry anthills. The North Koreans are great at this (the whole of North Korea is dug up, including the mountains) and helped Iran and Hezbollah prepare a large tunnel network in Lebanon,”
– levin says.
Military power of the DPRK
North Korea’s army is one of the largest in the world, with about 1.2 million active servicemen and an estimated 560,000 to 7.7 million reservists.
The DPRK Air Force has between 730 and 940 combat aircraft, most of which are outdated Soviet-made models. However, they also have a number of more modern MiG-29 fighters.
The North Korean navy has between 500 and 780 ships, including submarines, frigates, corvettes, and missile boats. Most of these vessels are small and designed for coastal defence.
The country has a significant arsenal of ballistic missiles of various ranges, including intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the United States. North Korea is also developing submarine-launched missiles.
The DPRK’s nuclear programme is a matter of international concern. The country has conducted several nuclear tests and, according to experts, may have 20 to 60 nuclear warheads.
North Korea has large stockpiles of chemical weapons and possibly biological weapons, making it a potentially dangerous actor in the region.
Despite its size, the North Korean army suffers from a lack of modern equipment and technology. Many of its weapons are outdated and in need of modernisation.
The country has a powerful special forces, which, according to some estimates, number about 200,000 elite soldiers trained to conduct sabotage operations.
North Korea is investing significant resources in the development of cyber forces capable of conducting cyber attacks and espionage operations.
Economic sanctions and the country’s isolation limit its ability to modernise its armed forces, but the DPRK continues to prioritise military spending at the expense of other sectors of the economy.
Overall, North Korea’s military power is based on quantity rather than quality, but its nuclear arsenal and missile programme make it a serious player in regional and global security.
