North Korea’s New Russian Weapons Raise Alarms in South Korea

North Korea’s expanding military relationship with Russia is now sending shockwaves across Asia. As Pyongyang receives advance drone and missile technologies from Moscow, concerns intensify in Seoul about regional stability. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has already issued a stark warning—countries like South Korea and Japan might soon find themselves in the crosshairs of advanced Iranian-style drones.

This development significantly shifts the military balance on the Korean Peninsula. According to Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov of Ukraine’s military intelligence, North Korea is actively setting up production facilities to manufacture Shahed drones with Russian support. These explosive drones have plagued Ukrainian cities with relentless attacks and could soon target Seoul or Tokyo.

Let’s break down what this means for South Korea—and why regional powers must act fast.

What Makes Shahed Drones Dangerous?

Instagram | @ukraine_russian_war_updates | Shahed drones pose serious risks as they spread across borders with stealth and impact.

Shahed drones, engineered in Iran and rebranded by Russia as Geran, are notorious for their low buzz and stealth-like approach. Despite flying slowly, they remain difficult to intercept due to their minimal radar signatures. Ukraine has experienced hundreds of such drone strikes in a single night, revealing their capacity to overwhelm air defense systems.

South Korea must take note. As these drones head east, experts fear similar waves of aerial threats could paralyze cities and strain security infrastructure.

William Alberque, formerly with NATO, called the development “gravely concerning,” especially given the military implications of North Korea acquiring these technologies.

Russia Gives North Korea a Military Boost

North Korea isn’t just gaining drones. It’s also securing critical support across missile, space, and nuclear programs. This military aid stems from North Korea’s backing of Russia in the Ukraine conflict. In return, Moscow is rewarding Pyongyang with advanced weapons tech and tactical insight.

In June 2024, Russia and North Korea formalized their alliance by signing a mutual defense pact. While South Korea hasn’t yet adapted fully to this new threat, experts say it’s only a matter of time before the South catches up.

North Korea’s Battlefield Experience in Ukraine

Over 11,000 troops have been dispatched by Pyongyang to engage in combat in western Russia. Although many of these soldiers lacked experience in drone-heavy warfare, others showed notable discipline and weapon proficiency.

This combat exposure offers a serious edge. Jacob Parakilas from the Rand Corporation explained that South Korea’s military, though technologically advanced, lacks real-time battlefield experience. Meanwhile, North Korean troops are gaining firsthand knowledge against a well-equipped enemy, and this could translate into more effective operations back home.

According to Ramon Pacheco Pardo, a professor at King’s College London, this advantage allows North Korea to grow its military much more quickly than South Korea had planned for.

Missiles Enter the Fray – KN-23 Evolves

North Korea’s short-range ballistic missiles, particularly the KN-23 (also called Hwasong-11), have become frequent features in Russia’s attacks on Ukraine. These projectiles have evolved into more accurate, deadly weapons.

According to Ukraine, the newest iterations of these missiles, seen in mid-2025, show remarkable improvements. Kyiv’s intelligence reports that they can strike with high precision—posing a serious challenge even for advanced air defense systems.

Since the KN-23 closely mirrors Russia’s SS-26 Iskander missile, Moscow can quickly correct flaws in North Korean versions. This symbiotic upgrade process allows Pyongyang to accelerate weapons quality much faster than before.

Alberque warned that even though South Korea maintains strong air defense networks, volume-based attacks could saturate those systems. As he put it, “If the North Korean missiles that make it through are more accurate and capable, it’s a fairly substantial problem for the South.”

A Drone Revolution Is Underway

Russia’s war in Ukraine has also turned into a laboratory for drone warfare. Ukraine’s President Zelensky emphasized that prolonged conflict only drives faster innovation in military tech—and North Korea appears to be watching closely.

Pyongyang already demonstrated drone capabilities by sending unmanned systems across the border into South Korea’s airspace. In 2022, five drones entered South Korean territory, one even breaching the no-fly zone near the presidential office.

In response, Seoul established a dedicated drone command unit in 2023. However, analysts like Alberque argue that these actions may not be sufficient. “South Korea is preparing, but the clock is ticking,” he stressed.

What Sets South Korea Apart

Instagram | @rok_navy | South Korea leads with advanced tech strong navy and solid support from allies.

Despite North Korea’s growing arsenal, South Korea retains significant strengths:

1. Strong Naval Power – Pyongyang’s navy lags far behind Seoul’s fleet in terms of capabilities and strategic depth.

2. Technological Superiority – Seoul maintains advanced weapons systems and benefits from U.S. military support—something Russia cannot match.

3. Focused Strategy – The South Korean military exists with a singular mission: to defend against and defeat the North.

Ramon Pacheco Pardo believes that technological edge matters. “South Korea still has a technological advantage over North Korea plus the support of its ally, the U.S.,” he noted.

Failures at Sea Reveal North Korean Weaknesses

Pyongyang’s efforts to strengthen its naval fleet have faced serious setbacks. In May, North Korea tried to launch a new 5,000-ton destroyer, only for the operation to end in disaster. State media admitted the warship was damaged due to poor command and inexperience.

This unusually candid failure—even by North Korea’s tightly controlled standards—highlights internal cracks in its military apparatus. Kim Jong Un’s anger was on full display, and officials faced arrest after the botched launch.

North Korea claimed it later relaunched the ship successfully, but doubts remain about the quality and reliability of its sea-based power.

A Tipping Point Approaches

While South Korea prepares and modernizes, North Korea accelerates both experience and capability. Its access to Russian weapons, real-world combat training, and expanded manufacturing make it a growing threat.

Experts stress that the U.S. alliance plays a pivotal role in shaping South Korea’s defense strategy. Washington’s continued involvement offers a crucial counterweight to Russian-North Korean cooperation.

Seoul’s task now lies in swift, smart preparation. That includes learning from Ukraine, investing in drone defenses, and anticipating how future technologies will reshape modern conflict.

As tensions escalate, South Korea must rethink its strategic response. Coordinated efforts with allies, investments in air and drone defense, and close monitoring of Pyongyang’s evolving tactics are critical steps. In a world where alliances fuel power shifts, readiness matters more than ever.