North Korea Reduces Artillery Supplies to Russia Amid Drone Production Surge

In 2025, North Korea has significantly reduced its artillery shell shipments to Russia, supplying more than half less than the previous year. According to Vadym Skibitsky, Deputy Head of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), North Korea has delivered approximately 6.5 million artillery shells to Russia since 2023. However, no shipments were recorded in September 2025, and only a few deliveries occurred in October, with many shells being outdated and requiring refurbishment at Russian factories. This decline is attributed to the depletion of North Korea's own stockpiles.

North Korea’s Ammunition Stocks Are Running Low – This Year’s Supplies to Russia Have HalvedNorth Korea has reduced shell supplies to Russia and started producing FPV drones - HURKyiv IndependentIntelligence: Shipments of shells from North Korea to Russia have halvedUkraine Says it hit Russia’s Iconic Trans-Siberian Railway, Targeting N. Korean Ammo SupplyEuromaiden Press

Alongside the reduction in artillery supplies, North Korea has initiated mass production of small, short-range FPV (first-person-view) drones and larger, medium-range attack drones. Skibitsky noted that North Korea is actively analyzing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine to enhance its domestic production capabilities. This shift indicates a strategic pivot towards developing its own military technology in response to the war.

North Korea has reduced shell supplies to Russia and started producing FPV drones - HUR

North Korea's military involvement in the conflict has been substantial, with reports indicating the deployment of approximately 11,000 to 12,000 troops to Russia in late 2024. Some estimates suggest that the number could be as high as 20,000 to 30,000 soldiers. This troop deployment was reportedly ordered by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, in accordance with a mutual defense treaty between North Korea and Russia. In exchange for military support, North Korea receives oil, food, and modern weaponry.

North Korea has reduced shell supplies to Russia and started producing FPV drones - HURKyiv IndependentNorth Korea’s Ammunition Stocks Are Running Low – This Year’s Supplies to Russia Have HalvedIntelligence: Shipments of shells from North Korea to Russia have halvedUkraine Says it hit Russia’s Iconic Trans-Siberian Railway, Targeting N. Korean Ammo SupplyEuromaiden Press

In a related development, Ukrainian military intelligence has targeted Russian logistics by disrupting freight traffic on the Trans-Siberian Railway, a critical supply route for military cargo, including shipments from North Korea. An explosion near Sosnovka on November 13, 2025, halted cargo movement along this route, which is vital for transporting weapons and ammunition to the front lines in Ukraine.

Ukraine Says it hit Russia’s Iconic Trans-Siberian Railway, Targeting N. Korean Ammo SupplyEuromaiden PressKyiv IndependentNorth Korea has reduced shell supplies to Russia and started producing FPV drones - HURNorth Korea’s Ammunition Stocks Are Running Low – This Year’s Supplies to Russia Have HalvedIntelligence: Shipments of shells from North Korea to Russia have halved

Ukrainian officials have emphasized the importance of disrupting Russian supply chains to weaken its military capabilities. Skibitsky remarked on North Korea's learning process from the conflict, stating, "They are learning, they are studying their experience to expand production on their own territory." Meanwhile, North Korea has expressed unwavering support for Russia, with Kim Jong Un reaffirming the commitment to strengthen military ties.

Kyiv Independent

Critics of North Korea's military support for Russia argue that this collaboration exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The involvement of North Korean troops and the supply of outdated munitions raise concerns about the implications for regional stability and international security.

North Korea has reduced shell supplies to Russia and started producing FPV drones - HUR

While Ukrainian intelligence reports a significant reduction in artillery supplies from North Korea, the exact quantities and conditions of the munitions remain unclear. Additionally, the scale of North Korea's drone production and its potential impact on the conflict have not been fully disclosed.

North Korea has reduced shell supplies to Russia and started producing FPV drones - HUR

• “They are learning, they are studying their experience (in this war) to expand production on their own territory,” — Vadym Skibitsky, Deputy Head of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate

Kyiv Independent

• “It is noted that the dispatch of DPRK troops was carried out on the "order" of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in accordance with the mutual defense treaty between Pyongyang and Moscow.” — Source Unspecified

North Korea has reduced shell supplies to Russia and started producing FPV drones - HUR

• “Explosive devices were planted with controlled remote detonation.” — HUR Statement on Railway Sabotage

Euromaiden Press

This evolving situation highlights the intricate military cooperation between North Korea and Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with significant implications for both nations and the broader geopolitical landscape.

North Korea has reduced shell supplies to Russia and started producing FPV drones - HUR