Returning home with real war experience: North Korean troops gain combat skills fighting alongside Russia
North Korean troops study drones and artificial intelligence in war against Ukraine (photo: Getty Images)
Japan must prepare for North Korean troops returning home with valuable modern warfare experience, Japan's Defense Minister Shinjirō Koizumi said in a speech.
"More than 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to Russia. Russia is sending North Korean troops to Ukraine. They are learning new ways of warfare across every domain, using drones, AI, cyberspace, and conventional weapons," said Japan's defense minister.
According to him, when they return to North Korea, Japan and its allies must take into account for what purpose and against whom these capabilities will be used.
"That is why I say that Ukraine is not a distant problem," Koizumi added.
According to intelligence reports, North Korean troops are attacking Ukraine with artillery and drones from the territory of Russia's Kursk region. North Korean soldiers are also involved in aerial reconnaissance and adjusting multiple launch rocket system strikes.
North Korean military personnel are also helping Russians by operating drones and adjusting strikes on Ukrainian positions in the Sumy region.
In addition, North Korean soldiers located in Russia's Kursk region are participating in coordinating reconnaissance operations and helping Russia carry out strikes on Ukrainian territory.
At the same time, in January, North Korea reduced the volume of weapons supplies to Russia. Since the beginning of the year, Russian ships have visited a Korean port only once, whereas previously they did so at least three times a month.
