The New York Times reported on the 16th that Russian small drones used in the attack on Ukraine have been confirmed to be equipped with North Korean-made cluster munitions. A research team from the UK-based Conflict Armament Research visited Ukraine recently and examined a Russian drone recovered near the southern region of Kherson on September 23, leading to this conclusion.
Cluster munitions are controversial weapons that maximize lethality by dispersing numerous submunitions in all directions upon explosion. The North Korean submunitions found were significantly modified and mounted on first-person view drones, with markings indicating they were manufactured in 2000.
The drone was equipped with parts made by a 3D printer, containing an electronic firing device designed to explode upon impact with a target. According to the NYT, while North Korea has provided Russia with various support such as troops, shells, and ballistic missiles, this is the first confirmed instance of cluster munitions being supplied for Russian small drones.
Damien Spleeters, a member of the research team, assessed that the use of 3D printed components in the North Korean cluster munitions suggests a sophisticated and systematic operation. The NYT noted, “North Korea has generally withdrawn its troops from the Ukrainian front line but is expanding the variety of munitions it supplies to Russia.”