In brief
North Korea’s military, one of the largest globally, is sending troops to Russia, reigniting concerns about its conventional forces which, despite their size, suffer from extensive resource shortages and aging equipment.
The North Korean military, known formally as the Korean People's Army, ranks as the world’s fourth-largest with approximately 1.3 million active-duty soldiers and an additional 7.6 million in reserve. While international attention has largely centered on North Korea's expanding nuclear arsenal, the recent deployment of thousands of North Korean soldiers to assist Russia in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine highlights an often-overlooked aspect: the country’s extensive conventional military forces.North Korea is arguably the most militarized country on the planet. The government's propaganda promotes a narrative of “arming the whole population” and urges citizens to act as “human rifles and bombs” in defense of their leader, Kim Jong-un. However, years of international sanctions have severely crippled North Korea's economy, leading to resource shortages that impact its military capabilities. The country's conventional weaponry often consists of outdated equipment originally supplied by the Soviet Union, with many weapons remaining in a state of disrepair. Reports indicate that North Korean pilots rarely fly due to a lack of jet fuel, while ground troops struggle with access to food, fuel, and essential spare parts.North Korean conscripts serve lengthy stints of eight to ten years, resulting in a uniquely experienced pool of soldiers. Nonetheless, much regarding North Korea's military remains largely shrouded in secrecy. The nation has not been involved in a major armed conflict since the Korean War, which ended over sixty years ago. As North Korean troops began their foreign deployment—likely their first significant engagement outside the country—there was a conspicuous absence of coverage or acknowledgment from North Korean state media regarding their departure or any ceremonial send-offs.
