North Korean soldiers train in Russia with advanced weaponry
The Russians have shown North Korean soldiers participating in exercises on one of their training grounds, simulating trench warfare. It is surprising that the equipment, resembling what is typically used by Russian Spetsnaz soldiers, is being utilized by the North Koreans.
A recent video has emerged online showing North Korean soldiers training in Russia. The video highlights hand-to-hand combat, knife throwing, and trench warfare exercises. Notably, the equipment includes AK-12 rifles with holographic sights, and one soldier is seen using a shotgun that appears to be a new version of the Baikal MP-155. This shotgun features an extended tube magazine and an added rail section for optics.
This is not entirely unexpected, given that smoothbore shotguns are currently the most popular last-resort option for anti-drone defense in the Ukraine war. This is during a time when drones, resistant to jamming, are being controlled through developed fiber optics or using artificial intelligence algorithms.
The superior equipment of North Korean soldiers, compared to Russian ones, is due to their significantly higher combat value. These soldiers are highly motivated, well-trained in the use of firearms, and can persist in attacking regardless of their losses. This makes them particularly dangerous in close-quarters combat, emphasizing the need to neutralize them before they can reach Ukrainian fortifications.
AK-12 rifles in the hands of Kim's soldiers — A disappointing endpoint of the Kalashnikov evolution
The AK-12 rifle was introduced to the Russian armed forces in 2018 as an upgrade to the older AK-74M model, designed to meet modern battlefield requirements. The updated version includes improved sights, a top-mounted rail, and polymer covers with additional rails for accessories like optical sights, flashlights, or laser sights.
Additionally, the AK-12 is fitted with a new folding stock that has an adjustable length. The flash suppressor, doubling as a compensator, is compatible with a sound suppressor, and the fire selector has been enhanced to include a burst mode.
Despite these changes, many soldiers criticized the AK-12, leading to the development of the AK-12M1 version, which entered service in 2023. The most significant modification was the introduction of a new selector lever with a safety and the removal of the burst mode.
Furthermore, the Russians modified the receiver cover mounting method to ensure stability, so that optical sights mounted on it don't require readjustment each time the weapon is assembled. The weapon also received a new folding stock with an adjustable vertical cheek pad.
Even with these modifications, the AK-12 remains essentially an AK-74M with polymer enhancements. It is somewhat heavier and more challenging to clean. The same improvements could be achieved with a wide range of accessories for the older model.
