North Korea Cuts Shell Supplies to Russia, Begins Mass Production of Combat Drones

(PYONGYANG / KURSK REGION, RUSSIA – ) – North Korea has significantly reduced its supply of artillery shells to Russia this year, largely due to the depletion of its own stockpiles, while simultaneously beginning mass production of FPV drones for combat operations. This was reported by Vadym Skibitsky, Deputy Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence, in an interview with Reuters, as cited by UNN.

According to Skibitsky, millions of North Korean artillery shells previously allowed Russian forces to maintain a high intensity of shelling throughout 2024. However, supplies in 2025 have more than halved, and much of the ammunition delivered was outdated, requiring refurbishment at Russian factories. No shell supplies were recorded in September, with limited shipments in October.

Since 2023, North Korea has supplied Russia with approximately 6.5 million artillery shells, taking advantage of the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine to strengthen military cooperation. Alongside conventional munitions, Pyongyang has now started producing small short-range FPV drones and larger medium-range drones for combat applications on its own territory, although exact production volumes remain undisclosed. Skibitsky noted that North Korea is studying operational lessons from the war to expand its drone programme.

Thousands of North Korean troops reportedly fought alongside Russian forces in the Kursk region in 2024, a deployment intended to ease pressure on Russian forces elsewhere and gain leverage in peace negotiations. The DPRK officially confirmed in April 2025 that its troops were participating in hostilities on the order of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, citing a mutual defence treaty with Moscow. The North Korean leader has publicly reaffirmed unwavering support for Russia and indicated the development of the DPRK’s nuclear forces in response to US, Japanese, and South Korean cooperation.

In financial terms, North Korea earned up to $5.5 billion from supplying weapons to Russia and is reportedly set to receive around $572 million annually for deploying troops, in exchange for oil, food, and modern weaponry. South Korea has reported the deployment of over 10,000 North Korean troops near the Russian-Ukrainian border, including engineers and builders.