Pyongyang to start production of drones jointly developed with moscow – media

According to Japanese public broadcaster NHK, North Korea is likely to start production of drones this year, which will be developed jointly with russia.

NHK reported this, citing several sources familiar with russian-North Korean relations.

According to the sources, russia and the DPRK have reached an agreement under which North Korea will receive technical assistance from russia in the development of several types of drones, which will be mass-produced.

The possible agreement comes against the backdrop of strengthening military ties between moscow and Pyongyang. Last year, they signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement.

The sources claim that the agreement on the development of drones is a response to North Korea's deployment of soldiers to help russia, which is continuing its invasion of Ukraine.

Meanwhile, sources say russia is reluctant to support North Korea in developing nuclear weapons. Moscow fears that factors such as Pyongyang's nuclear tests will complicate North Korea's relations with the United States and neighboring countries, including China. NHK notes that in November 2024, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected a test of a so-called suicide drone and ordered the development of a system for mass production of the weapon.