North Korea has reportedly ramped up its artillery ammunition production significantly, supplying these munitions to Russia for use in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Official statements indicate that current production levels have quadrupled compared to historical averages.
According to state media, during a visit by Kim Jong-un to a defense facility in Pyongyang, it was announced that artillery shell production has doubled from previous records. The North Korean government also highlighted modernization efforts within its military manufacturing sector.
Experts, however, express caution regarding the veracity of these claims, suggesting that North Korean propaganda may exaggerate production capabilities. Nonetheless, it is acknowledged that North Korea is actively providing Russia with artillery shells, which are utilized in the Ukraine conflict.
Estimates suggest that between September 2023 and April 2025, North Korea could transfer between 1 and 6 million shells and rockets to Russia. This supply includes both existing stockpiles and new industrial production.
The precise scale of ammunition production in North Korea remains unclear. It is estimated that around 300 defense enterprises operate within the country, employing hundreds of thousands of individuals. The diverse types of munitions produced, ranging from artillery shells to mortar rounds and rocket systems, complicate accurate assessments of production volumes.
Regarding military involvement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated that Russia and North Korea are strengthening their alliance, moving beyond mere arms supplies to include troop deployments. On October 14, 2024, Zelensky stated that North Korea had effectively engaged in the war against Ukraine.
Kyrilo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, confirmed that approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers are being prepared for combat in Ukraine. This assertion was later corroborated by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, although North Korea dismissed these claims as unfounded rumors. A representative from North Korea at the United Nations characterized the relationship with Russia as legitimate and based on cooperation.
On November 5, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed that the Ukrainian Armed Forces had experienced initial confrontations with North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region.
By December 14, President Zelensky reported the first casualties among North Korean troops during assault operations in Kursk, revealing that Russian forces were attempting to conceal the deaths of these soldiers.
On January 11, 2025, Ukrainian forces captured two North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region. Zelensky instructed the Security Service of Ukraine to facilitate access to these prisoners. South Korea has expressed readiness to repatriate the captured North Korean soldiers, recognizing all North Koreans as their citizens.
As of mid-January 2025, approximately 1,000 North Korean soldiers had reportedly died in the conflict in the Kursk region.
On April 28, 2025, North Korea officially acknowledged the involvement of its military personnel in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Vadym Skibitsky, deputy head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, stated in an interview that by August 2025, around 11,000 North Korean military personnel were present in Russia.
North Korea has significantly increased its artillery production and is supplying munitions to Russia amid the Ukraine conflict. Official reports indicate a substantial rise in output, although experts urge caution regarding the accuracy of these claims.