North Korea to transfer at least 150 ballistic missiles and artillery to Russia in 2025 – Ukraine’s intelligence

In 2025, North Korea will transfer to the Russian army at least 150 short-range ballistic missiles KN-23, as well as artillery shells, rocket systems and other military equipment.

The head of Ukraine's intelligence Kyrylo Budanov stated this in an interview with The War Zone.

According to Budanov, over the past three months, the DPRK has already transferred to Russia:

• 120 self-propelled artillery mounts M1989 "Koksan" (caliber 170 mm);
• 120 multiple launch rocket systems M-1991 (caliber 240 mm).

It's anticipated that a similar amount of equipment will be transferred in the future. Additionally, the head of Ukraine's intelligence highlighted the possibility that Russia might receive North Korean KN-23 ballistic missiles, which have already been integrated into Putin's military arsenal.

"Artillery is used to support both North Korean and Russian operations, while missiles are intended only for Russian targets," the intel chief emphasized.

Budanov also noted that in 2025 North Korea may send additional infantry units to the Kursk region. At the same time, he emphasized that the North Korean military acts like "biological robots", and their actions are characterized by strict discipline and unquestioning subordination.

"We do not expect to see many new ground troops. They (the DPRK military – ed.) are like biological robots," he emphasized.

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On June 19, 2024, the Russian dictator and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed an agreement on comprehensive strategic partnership. It provides for mutual military assistance in the event of aggression against Pyongyang or Moscow.

According to available information, a North Korean military contingent of up to 12,000 people is undergoing training at five training grounds of the Eastern Military District of the Russian Armed Forces. This contingent includes at least 500 officers from North Korea, including three generals from the General Staff.

Also, according to Ukrainian intelligence, North Korea has already transferred 100 short-range ballistic missiles and more than 100 artillery systems to Russia.

In addition, North Korean self-propelled artillery mounts M1989 Koksan, which have a significant firing range, were first spotted on the Russian-Ukrainian front.

Moreover, North Korea plans to deploy a new military contingent in Russia by mid-March 2025. This will likely maintain the intensity of attacks in the Kursk region.