Footage Details North Korean Troops’ Modern Weapon Training

On Monday, Russia's defense ministry unveiled a new recording showing North Korean soldiers practicing with advanced firearms, weapons that are currently utilized in the conflict with Ukraine.

The brief video, lasting just over a minute and released by the state news channel TASS, displayed North Korean soldiers executing drills. They practiced firing maneuvers, shooting while concealed, trench clearing, and using Russian hand grenades.

Some soldiers appeared handling the AK-12, a cutting-edge, fifth-generation assault rifle that became part of Russia’s arsenal in 2020. These rifles often featured reflex sights and additional grips.

In contrast, the typical training back in North Korea involves the Type-88 rifle, which is a variant of the old Soviet AK-74 model.

The video also captured North Koreans using the Dragunov SVD sniper rifle and the PK machine gun, both of which are significant for their roles in Russian military engagements.

Among the clips, one showed a soldier wielding an RPG-7 grenade launcher, firing a high-impact anti-tank round, a weapon still actively used by Russian forces.

According to Ukraine’s military intelligence, these small arms are part of the list of equipment that Russia purportedly provided to North Korea as of November 2024.

A Russian propaganda segment highlighted how North Korean troops were being trained to combat Ukrainian forces.

The footage also depicted a soldier discharging a semiautomatic Vepr-12 shotgun into the sky, a weapon fitted with a choke to enhance its anti-drone capabilities by concentrating the pellet spread and boosting range.

Shotguns have been part of the arsenal for both Ukrainian and Russian troops for neutralizing drones in close skirmishes. TASS reported these North Korean troops were training with such shotguns for similar scenarios.

TASS reported further that these scenes feature North Korean troops stationed in Kursk, where a large reinforcement was sent by Pyongyang to back Russia. However, Business Insider couldn’t confirm these reports independently.

Alliance Worrying Western Observers

Recently, both Russia and North Korea have openly talked about North Korean fighters taking part in the Ukraine conflict, a fact they had been silent on despite clear evidence surfacing earlier.

This military partnership has triggered anxiety in Western nations and South Korea. Concerns are growing that North Korean forces might be gaining critical battle experience and how to handle advanced weapon systems and counter drone technology.

A significant number of these troops have been deployed in frontline attacks resulting in substantial casualties. Such tactics are often part of Russian strategies meant to drain Ukraine's defenses.

Early observations indicated these soldiers were often ill-prepared for the techniques used, especially against expanding drone technology, leading to severe losses.

Meanwhile, there are indications of evolving strategies. Evidence has emerged, such as a sketch Ukrainian forces reportedly obtained from a captured North Korean soldier, illustrating tactics for drone decoys using an ally.

North Korean forces are potentially observing Ukraine’s deployment of sophisticated military technologies like HIMARS missile systems and the formidable Abrams tank.

Despite their initial struggles, North Korean units demonstrate formidable resolve, often engaging in direct, overwhelming frontal attacks without support from armored vehicles. Accounts from Ukrainian fighters suggest difficulty in capturing North Korean fighters, as they show a tendency to avoid capture at all costs, sometimes choosing death over surrender.

This enduring combat spirit raises apprehensions for the United States. A State Department representative expressed ongoing concern this week, aligning with the stance that North Korea’s engagement effectively intensifies the ongoing conflict and holds them accountable.