According to information from South Korean intelligence, approximately 10,000 North Korean soldiers and 1,000 army engineers are currently stationed in Russia's Kursk region, actively participating in the war against Ukraine. The intelligence community reports that around 1,100 of these soldiers, who had returned to North Korea in December 2025, may be redeployed to Russia to continue their engagement in the conflict. Despite having lost around 6,000 troops, North Korea has reportedly benefited from the experience, learning modern combat tactics and modernizing its weapon systems thanks to Russian technical assistance.

Moreover, the intelligence indicates that North Korea is developing a new drone department and working on establishing a system for the design and mass production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This strategic shift reflects North Korea's long-term military aspirations and its intent to enhance its technological capabilities, particularly in the area of drone warfare. The proactive measures taken by North Korea are indicative of its desire to adapt and innovate in response to the ongoing dynamics of international conflict.

In September 2025, reports indicated that around 2,000 North Korean soldiers had already lost their lives during combat operations in Ukraine. These casualty figures, alongside the intelligence community's assessments, not only reveal the human cost of North Korea's involvement in the war but also highlight the regime's commitment to leveraging its military engagement in Ukraine for both tactical training and military advancement purposes, potentially setting the stage for future conflicts in the region.