N. Korea could bolster drone capabilities through workers at Russian factory: report

What happened: A CSIS and George W. Bush Institute report says North Korea could strengthen its military drone capabilities through workers deployed to Russia's Alabuga drone production complex, where they gain technical expertise. Key numbers: Russia hosted an estimated 15,000 to 30,000 North Korean workers as of the end of 2025. Why it matters: The report says a North Korea with a more sophisticated and growing drone program poses a new order of military challenge for South Korea, Japan, and U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific.

A CSIS and George W. Bush Institute report says North Korea could strengthen its military drone capabilities through workers deployed to Russia's Alabuga drone production complex, where they gain technical expertise.

The report says a North Korea with a more sophisticated and growing drone program poses a new order of military challenge for South Korea, Japan, and U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific.