The Main Intelligence Directorate has stated that North Korea supplies up to 40 per cent of Russia’s artillery ammunition requirements
North Korea supplies between 25 per cent and 40 per cent of Russia’s artillery ammunition requirements and plays a key role among foreign arms suppliers to the Russian army. This was reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence in response to an enquiry from the Kyiv Post.
The intelligence agency noted that the scale and regularity of the supplies indicate that military-technical cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow has become systematic.
According to the Main Intelligence Directorate, since June 2023, Russia has received more than 100 KN-23 and KN-24 ballistic missiles from the DPRK, along with their launchers. At least 80 of these have already been used against Ukraine.
Russia’s first use of North Korean ballistic missiles was recorded on 29 December 2023, when one of them fell in a field in the Zaporizhzhia region. Such missiles were used again on 2 January 2024 during a massive strike on Kharkiv, which killed two people and injured a further 62. According to reports from 2025, their accuracy has since improved.
In addition to the rockets, North Korea has supplied Russia with over 600 artillery systems of various types and calibres. These included 170 mm M 1989 ‘Koksan’ self-propelled guns, 240 mm M 1991 multiple launch rocket systems, 107 mm Type 63 launchers, self-propelled anti-tank missile systems, 122 mm D 74 towed guns and 140 mm Type 76 mortars.
Furthermore, according to the Main Intelligence Directorate, Russia has received over 7 million rounds of ammunition. These include mortar rounds, artillery shells, tank shells and rocket projectiles ranging in calibre from 82 to 240 mm, as well as anti-tank guided missiles.
The Main Intelligence Directorate noted that the DPRK’s defence industry is capable of producing between 1 and 2 million artillery shells per year, with a minimum monthly production capacity of between 30,000 and 50,000 units.
“A significant proportion of this output could be supplied to the Russian Federation should the relevant political decision be taken,” the agency stated.
At the same time, the intelligence agency emphasised that there are currently no signs of Russia using high-tech components manufactured in North Korea in the development of its own drones or missile systems.
According to data cited in a Kyiv Post article, referencing estimates by South Korean analysts, arms sales to Russia have earned North Korea billions of dollars. It is reported that the DPRK has also deployed more than 15,000 military personnel to the front line, approximately a third of whom have been killed or wounded.
The article also notes that the resources obtained through cooperation with Russia have helped to supply the country with energy and building materials. According to The Wall Street Journal, North Korea’s economy grew by almost 4 per cent in 2024, the highest rate in the last eight years.
