Russia Uncovers Dark Secret Of North Koreas Outdated Drone Countermeasures

A cache of documents recovered from a North Korean soldier who died in Russia’s Kursk region has shed light on the country’s antiquated approach to countering modern unmanned aerial systems. The notebook, belonging to soldier Jong Kyong Hong, reveals a rudimentary three-person method for taking down Ukrainian drones that relies on “living human bait” – a technique where one soldier acts as a decoy while two others provide cover.

The method described in the notebook requires the decoy soldier to maintain a precise distance of around 23 feet from the drone, luring it into a stationary position before the other two troops take aim. This tactic is reminiscent of outdated infantry strategies, highlighting the growing chasm between North Korea’s military capabilities and those of its more technologically advanced adversaries.

According to reports from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, North Korean forces have suffered significant losses in recent Ukrainian drone operations. The agency notes that North Korean troops are particularly vulnerable in open field environments, where they lack both the equipment and tactical expertise necessary to counter modern drone threats effectively.

Experts point to the vulnerability of First Person View (FPV) drones as a major weakness in North Korea’s defenses. These systems provide operators with real-time video feeds, making them highly effective against troops without adequate counter-drone capabilities or concealment techniques.

In response to these losses, North Korean units have attempted to bolster their drone detection capabilities by establishing additional observation posts. However, these measures appear to be reactive, rather than part of a comprehensive counter-drone strategy. This lack of foresight is a stark contrast to the more effective and proactive approaches employed by other nations, such as Ukraine.

The situation in Kursk serves as a cautionary tale for traditional military doctrine, highlighting the limitations of tactics that were once considered effective but are now rendered obsolete by modern drone warfare. The use of surveillance and attack drones against North Korean troops underscores the critical importance of developing effective counter-drone capabilities in contemporary military operations.

As unmanned systems continue to evolve and improve, the need for advanced counter-drone strategies and equipment becomes increasingly pressing. This incident emphasizes the need for ground forces to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of modern warfare, one that is dominated by drones and other types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).