Russia shares missile data as Pyongyang starts drone mass production

North Korea has begun mass-producing attack drones with direct support from Russia, according to a report by The New York Times.

The newspaper states that Moscow is transferring military developments to Pyongyang. In return, North Korea supplies soldiers, workers, and weapons. The two nations renewed their military cooperation after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since then, Pyongyang has used Russian assistance to modernize its armed forces and equipment.

In early October, North Korea tested a tactical ballistic missile it claims can carry a nuclear payload. South Korea and Japan estimated the missile traveled approximately 700 kilometers. North Korea asserted a range of 1,000 kilometers. Seoul typically responds to such tests with brief statements describing them as provocative. This time, South Korea test-fired its own hypersonic ballistic missile for the first time. President Lee Jae Myung observed the launch, which occurred five days after the North Korean test.

Analyst Anton Ponomarenko noted that access to Russian deployment data and feedback has helped North Korea improve weapon accuracy and maneuverability. He described the threat to South Korea as more substantial. Russia also assisted North Korea in building unmanned systems. The New York Times reported that Pyongyang observed how inexpensive drones can overwhelm costly air defense systems in Ukraine and the Middle East. During a drill last month, a North Korean drone swarm attacked a target island. Cruise and ballistic missiles struck the same target from different directions simultaneously.

The report aligns with earlier accounts of the partnership. Bloomberg reported in September that Russia uses North Korean citizens to produce military drones. These operations take place at facilities in Alabuga, Tatarstan. Up to 25,000 North Koreans are believed to be working at Russian military plants. A North Korean missile unit has begun deploying in western Russia. The unit may be equipped with 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers for strikes against Ukraine.

Ukrainska Pravda previously reported that Russia asked North Korea in August to provide KN-30 ballistic missiles. In June 2026, North Korea announced tests of a modernized 240mm multiple-launch rocket system. It also tested a tactical ballistic missile and a 155mm long-range artillery shell during that period.