On the Bridge: Russian Military Logistics and DPRK Munitions Transfers

New analysis by Open Source Centre (OSC) and iStories, On the Bridge, provides an updated assessment of North Korea’s arms shipments to Russia, identifying nearly 30,000 containers delivered since mid-2023. This volume–roughly double the scale documented in Brothers in Arms–equates to an estimated 8-11 million rounds of ammunition, likely a mix of 122 mm and 152 mm artillery shells and rockets.

Analysis of the sailors operating the vessels involved in the operation reveals deep ties to Russian military logistics industry, with several captains and crew previously employed by sanctioned defence shipping companies and experienced in operating on high-risk military supply routes including in Syria and Iran.

Although shipment frequency has moderated, the DPRK-Russia munitions supply chain remains a fundamental pillar of a transactional alliance, allowing Pyongyang to secure hard currency and military technology in exchange for bolstering Russia’s offensive capabilities.