Russia Plans 120,000 Glide Bombs as North Korean Shells Decline

Russia intends to produce up to 120,000 glide bombs in 2025, including 500 new long-range munitions with a reach of 200 to 400 km. According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russian forces are currently deploying 200 to 250 glide bombs daily. Moscow also estimates the manufacture of 70,000 long-range drones, including 30,000 Shahed craft, to target energy infrastructure and gain leverage during peace negotiations.

Simultaneously, North Korea has significantly reduced its artillery shell shipments to Russia, with 2025 deliveries falling by more than half compared to the previous year. While North Korea has supplied approximately 6.5 million shells since 2023, reports indicate Pyongyang exhausted its stockpiles, resulting in no deliveries in September and limited shipments in October. Many recent shells were of such poor quality that they required refurbishment in Russian factories.

To offset the decline in shell exports and apply battlefield lessons from Ukraine, North Korea has pivoted to the mass production of first-person-view (FPV) and medium-range combat drones. While Federal Government of Russia has increased domestic ammunition production, Ukrainian military command believes the reduction in North Korean supplies may soon constrain Russian firepower on the front lines.