North Korea-Russia Military Ties and the Modernization 

of Pyongyang’s Defense Industry: North Korea’s Key Activities in May

Lee Seung-hyun

Ph.D in Public Administration

(Research Fellow at the SAND Institute)

In May, North Korea demonstrated a clear focus on both enhancing its military capabilities and modernizing its defense industry, while also signaling a shift in its diplomatic approach—anchored by closer ties with Russia. Throughout the month, Kim Jong-un’s public activities reflected a strategic pivot, with a strong emphasis on military affairs. Though he made eight public appearances, the same number as in April, the content was distinctly centered on defense-related matters.

Kim Jong-un began the month by visiting a key tank factory on May 4, where he declared a “Second Armored Forces Revolution.” He unveiled plans to adopt new armored vehicles with improved mobility and electronic warfare functions. On May 7, he toured a munitions facility to assess artillery production and ordered the simultaneous pursuit of technological upgrades and expanded output—aligning with North Korea’s current focus on preparing for high-tech warfare. 

Then on May 9, Kim directed a joint strike drill on the eastern front, involving 600mm rocket launchers and the Hwasong-11A tactical missile. This exercise operated under a national nuclear command structure called the “nuclear trigger,” signaling an effort to demonstrate command system readiness. The focus was on validating control stability and rehearsing nuclear retaliation protocols, which was followed by a combined arms drill on May 13 and air force training on May 15—highlighting a sustained push to upgrade military readiness.

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On May 21, a serious accident took place during the launch of a new destroyer at Chongjin Shipyard, attended by Kim Jong-un. The vessel's stern was damaged, causing it to capsize. Kim denounced the incident as a “political crime” and ordered strict accountability, demanding full restoration by the June Central Committee meeting. His strong response highlighted the regime’s sensitivity to internal failures and exposed ongoing structural and technological weaknesses in North Korea’s defense industry.

Diplomatically, the standout moment of the month was Kim Jong-un’s unprecedented visit to the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang on May 9, to mark Russia’s Victory Day. This was his first visit to a foreign diplomatic mission since taking office. In his address, Kim described the North Korea-Russia relationship as a “blood alliance” and “irreversible strategic pact.” He voiced support for Russia’s actions in the Ukraine war and suggested that North Korea might respond militarily if Russia were attacked—strongly implying that bilateral ties had advanced beyond symbolic diplomacy into concrete military cooperation.

Domestically, North Korea continued efforts to bolster internal unity and control, highlighted by the “May 21 Architectural Festival” on May 13 and housing updates in the Komdok and Hwasong regions. From May 7 to 8, Pyongyang also hosted the third North Korea-Belarus Economic Cooperation Committee meeting, signaling a push to expand practical ties with Eurasian countries.

In summary, North Korea appeared to follow a dual-track strategy in May—intensifying its military build-up while recalibrating its diplomatic direction. Domestically, it focused on reinforcing regime cohesion through enhancements in nuclear command systems and military readiness. On the international front, it sought to strengthen an anti-Western bloc through closer alignment with Russia. Kim’s visit to the Russian Embassy and the public display of tactical nuclear drills suggest a calculated effort to use military strength as leverage in future negotiations. Overall, North Korea seems committed to both internal stability and increased diplomatic clout, advancing a hardline, strength-based strategy.