North Korea has reportedly sent Deputy Chief of the General Staff Kim Yong Bok with its military personnel to russia. This was reported by the National Intelligence Service during a parliamentary session in South Korea.
Kim Yong Bok, a close associate of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, holds the influential role of Deputy Chief of the General Staff. Known for his prior leadership of North Korea’s 11th Assault Corps – now the foundation of its special forces – Kim Yong Bok brings extensive operational experience, aligning him well with overseeing North Korean forces currently in russia.
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However, Kim Yong Bok’s high-ranking position and the size of the North Korean contingent create an unusual hierarchy, as such a large force would typically be led by a Major General. This discrepancy suggests that North Korean forces may not operate under traditional command structures, possibly relegated to secondary roles as cannon fodder.
Beyond his leadership role, Kim Yong Bok’s mission in russia may extend to observing and learning from russian military strategies. Insights into russia’s modern warfare techniques – such as heavy artillery use, limited mechanization, and overwhelming manpower deployment – could be valuable assets for North Korean planning and reforms, particularly in the context of potential operations against South Korea.
Additionally, North Korea could aim to acquire knowledge on drone technology and tactics, an area it currently lacks but would greatly benefit from, enhancing its reconnaissance and strike capabilities. This exchange underscores the strategic military and technological synergy evolving between Pyongyang and Moscow.
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