North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has stressed the urgent need to overhaul and modernize the nation’s military capabilities. During a visit to the Kang Kon Military Academy, he expressed dissatisfaction with how the institution managed its facilities, stating that they fell short of the ruling party’s expectations for a modern, advanced army. Kim laid out plans to improve the academy by upgrading its infrastructure and enhancing the practical training that would better prepare cadets for the realities of contemporary warfare, including mastering sophisticated weapons and technical equipment.

In a related development, reports indicate that North Korea recently dispatched thousands of troops to support Russian military efforts in Ukraine. Kim’s visit to Kim Il Sung University of Politics further emphasized the importance of tactical discipline, loyalty, and personal sacrifice among the troops. South Korean intelligence has suggested that his series of inspections of military units and training exercises could signal preparations for assigning even more soldiers to international operations.

There are growing concerns among regional and global observers that these military adjustments might allow North Korea to gain valuable combat experience on modern battlefields, despite previous reports of heavy casualties among its forces in Russia. While North Korean soldiers have earned a reputation for their tenacity and willingness to face extreme risks, they have also been noted for their tactical shortcomings and communication barriers, which have impacted their overall effectiveness in the field.