"North Korea Considering Dispatching 25,000 Workers to Russian Drone Factory... Also to Acquire Drone Operation Skills"

NHK Reports Citing Russian and Western Diplomatic Sources

NHK reported on June 19, citing Russian and Western diplomatic sources, that North Korea is considering a plan to dispatch 25,000 workers to a Russian drone production factory.

According to the report, North Korea is reviewing a plan to send workers to a drone factory in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in the Republic of Tatarstan, located about 800 kilometers east of Moscow, to support assembly work and to acquire skills in drone operation.

NHK stated, "Cooperation between Russia, which is focusing on drone production as it continues its invasion of Ukraine, and North Korea, which seeks to strengthen its military capabilities, is deepening as their intentions align."

North Korea and Russia have been strengthening their cooperative relationship, including signing the 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty' on June 19, 2024, during a meeting between Chairman Kim Jong Un and President Vladimir Putin.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated at a press conference that morning, "We strongly condemn the military cooperation moves such as North Korea's dispatch of personnel and the procurement and use of weapons and ammunition, including ballistic missiles." He added, "This not only further exacerbates the situation in Ukraine, but also has a significant impact on the security of the region surrounding our country, which is a matter of grave concern."