For decades, North Korea's expanding nuclear arsenal has captured global attention. However, as thousands of North Korean soldiers are deployed to Russia to assist in the Ukraine conflict, the focus has shifted back to the country's extensive conventional military forces, which are among the largest in the world.
North Korea is considered one of the most militarized nations globally, with state propaganda emphasizing the need to "arm the whole population" in defense of its leader, Kim Jong-un. Despite this, decades of international sanctions and a devastating famine in the 1990s have left the country's conventional military capabilities in decline, with outdated equipment and a lack of essential resources such as food and fuel.
North Korean soldiers are required to serve lengthy terms of eight to ten years, resulting in a highly experienced military force. However, the true capabilities of the Korean People's Army (K.P.A.) remain largely unknown, as it has not engaged in significant conflict since the Korean War. Recent troop movements to Russia mark a potential first for these soldiers in an international conflict, yet state media in North Korea has not reported on their deployment.
Reports indicate that the troops sent to Russia are part of North Korea's special operations force, which consists of around 200,000 soldiers trained for offensive operations. However, some experts have raised doubts about the effectiveness of these troops, suggesting that many may be from engineering units rather than combat-trained forces.
Despite facing food shortages, North Korea maintains a military of 1.3 million active-duty soldiers and 7.6 million reservists, making it the fourth-largest military globally. The country invests heavily in its armed forces, with military spending estimated to consume a significant portion of its GDP. However, the lack of modern military support from former allies has left its conventional weapons systems outdated.
North Korea's leader has sought to modernize the military by developing nuclear capabilities and stockpiling chemical weapons. The ongoing war in Ukraine has heightened tensions, with both North Korea and Russia making nuclear threats in response to perceived threats from the United States.
Historically, North Korean commandos have executed high-profile operations in South Korea, although the harsh conditions in North Korea may lead to defections among soldiers deployed abroad. The young soldiers heading to Ukraine may experience their first exposure to the outside world, which could influence their loyalty to the regime.
The K.P.A. plays a crucial role in North Korean society, serving as a pathway to status within the ruling Workers' Party. The military operates under a strict command structure, but many soldiers face chronic shortages and corruption. The military's significance extends beyond defense, as it also contributes to the regime's economic stability through various enterprises.
Kim Jong-un has historically relied on the military to address social and economic issues, consolidating power through purges and mobilizing troops for domestic projects. The military's ability to generate revenue through arms sales and cyber theft has made it a vital asset for the regime, which uses military threats as leverage in international negotiations.
Experts assert that the North Korean military is essential for the survival of Kim Jong-un's regime, serving both as a tool for domestic control and a means to extract international aid and concessions.