North Korea has quietly begun sending artificial intelligence researchers, students, and interns to Russia as part of a covert plan to augment its own AI capabilities despite international sanctions prohibiting high-tech collaboration. This initiative shows how Pyongyang is modernizing both its technology sector and military systems–something recently evidenced in interviews and state media reports.
Kim Kwang Hyok, head of Kim Il Sung University’s AI Institute, confirmed the outreach in an interview with pro-North Korean Japanese outlets: “We have sent exchange students, interns and researchers abroad including Russia.” Newsweek + 4 +4 = North Korea News + Digital Watch Observatory.
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This partnership seeks to accelerate development in fields like multilingual translation, robotics and military AI applications for cyber and drone technologies despite global restrictions.
This development fits within Moscow’s strategy of deepening ties with Pyongyang. Under their 2024 “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty,” both nations pledged cooperation on defense, technology, space exploration and nuclear energy–initiatives designed to counter Western influence (The Washington Post; Digital Watch Observatory; Wikipedia +3 and Reuters +3)
Russia has provided North Korea with support in developing missile systems, drones and space programs. Last November at a joint tech exhibition held in Pyongyang under their agreement was showcased robotic and information security technologies developed under it (Reuters +4/Newsweek).
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited North Korea in July, describing their relationship as an “invincible fighting brotherhood” and affirming continued strategic alignment, according to Reuters (+1).
Analysts caution that AI transfer may soon reap military gains. Reports reveal the existence of AI-powered applications like “Ryongma,” as well as potential developments for cyberwarfare and autonomous drone use (NK News/North Korea News – Digital Watch Observatory/The Washington Post, etc).
North Korea’s cyber unit, Bureau 121, has an outstanding track record; adding artificial intelligence could only enhance their operations even further (Wikipedia).
Military AI capabilities are of increasing concern given North Korea’s recent advances in drone and missile tech. South Korean and Western analyses have linked Russian assistance with North Korean development of missiles, warship systems and AI-guided drones used for conflict zones such as Ukraine. Business Insider +1 The Times +1
Pyongyang appears to be circumventing United Nations sanctions prohibiting AI-related collaboration, bypassing these restrictions, according to reports by North Korean news source NK News (despite stringent UN restrictions that restrict technological exchange) by continuing with their program and bypassing restrictions through Digital Watch Observatory’s Digital Watch Observatory plus one. (NK News is North Korean news).
Observers warn of the possible threat posed by technology transfer between North Korea and Russia. Autonomous, AI-enhanced drones could become part of North Korean military doctrine and increase threats across the Korean Peninsula. War on the Rocks reports “North Korea’s drone capabilities have rapidly advanced thanks to material, technological, and training support from Russia”, per their report on www.warontherocks.com
This collaboration between Moscow and Pyongyang underscores their deepening axis. Beyond AI, reports indicate tens of thousands of North Korean laborers are being deployed to Russia’s Far East to assist with infrastructure or military production; (ft.com/Yahoo.com).
South Korean and Western governments have denounced this relationship as an unlawful violation of international sanctions, with South Korea’s National Intelligence Service recently warning of more North Korean personnel and weapons possibly heading toward Russia within months, according to Reuters and Apnews.com respectively.
North Korea and Russia’s AI collaboration represents a strategic turning point. Over the coming months, autonomous systems, cyber tools, and battlefield AI may begin redefining North Korean military posture – raising fears of technologically enhanced opponents.