North Korean Troops Suffer Heavy Losses in Kursk Offensive, Highlighting Tactical Deficiencies
The snowy battlefields of western Russia’s Kursk Oblast have become a testing ground for a new and unlikely combination of forces: Russian troops bolstered by North Korean reinforcements. Last weekend, these combined forces launched a series of assaults against Ukrainian positions, aiming to reclaim lost ground in the strategically important region. However, the offensive proved costly for the North Koreans, with the 11th Army Corps reportedly suffering around 200 casualties, according to Ukrainian estimates. This heavy toll underscores the challenges faced by the North Korean troops, who appear ill-equipped to handle the dynamic and technologically advanced nature of modern warfare. Furthermore, the incidents highlight a growing concern regarding Russia’s reliance on foreign manpower to supplement its depleted forces.
The Ukrainian 8th Special Purpose Regiment, defending the southwestern edge of the salient they carved out of Kursk in August, deployed a particularly innovative and effective tactic: explosive-laden first-person-view (FPV) drones adorned with Christmas decorations. Videos circulating online depict these festive drones striking North Korean targets, showcasing the Ukrainians’ grim humor amidst the brutal reality of war. While the decorations may seem incongruous with the deadly mission, they symbolize the Ukrainians’ resilience and adaptability in the face of a formidable enemy. The effectiveness of these FPV drones further exposes the vulnerabilities of the North Korean troops, who appear unprepared for such unconventional warfare tactics.
The North Korean presence in Kursk, estimated to be part of a combined force of 60,000 alongside Russian troops, has undoubtedly stiffened the Russian offensive. Their involvement allowed the combined force to recapture the village of Plekhove after three arduous attacks. However, the high casualty rate among the North Korean troops raises serious questions about their long-term effectiveness and the sustainability of this alliance. Facing a smaller Ukrainian force of around 20,000, the Russian-North Korean coalition enjoys a numerical advantage, but the Ukrainians’ defensive positions and superior tactical adaptability negate much of this advantage.
The initial waves of the weekend assaults revealed a stark tactical disparity between the two sides. North Korean infantry advanced in rigid formations across open, snow-covered fields, offering easy targets for Ukrainian FPV drones and cluster munitions. Their dark camouflage against the white snow further exacerbated their vulnerability, making them stand out like silhouettes against the wintry landscape. This tactical naiveté, reminiscent of outdated military doctrines, contrasts sharply with the Ukrainians’ more agile and adaptable approach, leveraging technology and terrain to their advantage.
While some North Korean troops have demonstrated an awareness of the drone threat, attempting to dodge incoming FPVs, their efforts have often proved futile. The advanced camera technology and skilled operators of the Ukrainian drones make evasion extremely difficult. This highlights a critical training gap for the North Korean soldiers, who seem to lack the experience and skills necessary to effectively counter this type of aerial threat. In contrast to some Russian trainees who practice anti-drone maneuvers, including the use of a "drone on a rope" training aid, the North Koreans appear less prepared for this aspect of modern warfare.
The high casualty rate among the North Koreans has reportedly prompted Russian commanders to attempt to conceal the extent of the losses. According to Ukrainian sources, efforts have been made to quickly evacuate casualties and downplay the impact of the Ukrainian strikes. However, videos and images circulating online contradict these attempts, exposing the grim reality of the battlefield. This alleged cover-up further underscores the political sensitivity surrounding the deployment of North Korean troops and the potential ramifications of their heavy losses. The deployment of foreign troops also raises ethical questions about the use of mercenaries and the potential exploitation of vulnerable populations in armed conflicts. The situation in Kursk serves as a microcosm of the evolving nature of warfare, where technological superiority and tactical adaptability can significantly outweigh numerical strength.
