North Korea is reportedly expanding the range and volume of weapons it supplies to Russia.
An Ukrainian battalion operating near the Ukraine-Belgorod Oblast border observed Russian forces using North Korean-provided Bulsae-4 anti-tank guided missiles mounted on North Korean M2010 wheeled armored personnel carriers.
According to NK Pro, a North Korea-focused outlet, satellite imagery suggests that North Korea is intensifying its production of anti-tank missiles. This increase is believed to be in response to growing Russian interest in acquiring North Korean munitions.
NK Pro’s report highlighted that North Korea has been expanding and upgrading production facilities at the Sinuiju Measuring Instrument Factory and the Taegwan Glass Factory, both of which are involved in anti-tank missile production.
This improvement in North Korea’s weapons provisions to Russia is likely linked to a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement signed between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in June 2024.
This partnership suggests a deepening military cooperation in the global south.