DPRK plans to send labor force to Russian drone factory in Tatarstan
Photo: North Korea will send 25,000 workers to Russia to produce Shahed drones (Getty Images)
North Korea is considering sending a labor force to the Russian production of Shahed attack drones. It plans to send 25,000 workers, NHK reports.
According to the outlet, the DPRK plans to send workers to Russia to increase drone production in exchange for training in drone operation.
The plant is situated in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, located in the central Russian republic of Tatarstan. It is there that they plan to send 25,000 North Koreans.
It is noted that military cooperation between Russia and North Korea continues to deepen, as Russia increases drone production amid the invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, the DPRK seeks to strengthen its armed forces.
Cooperation between Russia and the DPRK
In June 2024, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un signed a strategic partnership agreement in Pyongyang. The document provides for mutual assistance in the event of “aggression” against one of the two countries.
After that, it became known that the DPRK is sending its military personnel to Russia to undergo military training there.
In April 2025, the terrorist country admitted that North Korean military personnel are fighting against Ukraine. This happened after Ukrainian soldiers captured several troops in the Kursk region.
In addition, the DPRK is helping Russia with weapons and missiles.
