North Korea joins Russian naval exercises as observer for the first time.

On December 18, 2024, General Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, confirmed that North Korea participated as an observer in the "Ocean-2024" naval exercises. This marked the first time North Korea attended such an exercise in this capacity. The drills, which took place from September 10 to 16, 2024, were the largest naval exercises conducted by Russia in over 30 years. They involved Russian naval forces and Aerospace Forces, with operations conducted in the Pacific, Arctic, Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic regions.
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The Amnok-class Patrol Ship No. 661 frigate, one of the most modern vessels in the North Korean Navy, is allegedly built on a Krivak-class hull and is equipped with 8 KN-19 anti-ship missiles, 6 FN-6 SAM missiles, a 76mm gun, 2 AK-230 anti-air guns, 4 533mm torpedoes, and 4 RBU-1200 anti-submarine rocket launchers. (Picture source: KCNA)

Over 90,000 personnel participated in the Ocean-2024 exercise, along with more than 400 warships, submarines, and auxiliary vessels, 120 aircraft and helicopters, and approximately 7,000 units of military and special equipment. The main objectives of the exercise included testing the readiness of Russia's Navy and Aerospace Forces, evaluating command and control systems, and assessing operational cohesion in conditions simulating large-scale military aggression. During the drills, activities included defending naval bases, combating unmanned systems, conducting amphibious landings, and protecting convoys. In addition to North Korea, 14 other countries were present as observers, including Vietnam, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand. Observer status allowed these countries to monitor the exercises without directly participating.

President Vladimir Putin participated in the opening of the active phase via videoconference, highlighting the drills' role in evaluating combat readiness, integrating modern weapons, and emphasizing maritime and aerospace capabilities. The exercise also saw coordinated actions with Chinese forces, which contributed naval assets such as the Type 055 destroyer Wuxi, Type 052D destroyer Xining, Type 054A frigate Linyi, and the fleet oiler Taihu, supported by 15 aircraft. The exercise unfolded in two stages: the first involved force deployment and operational planning, while the second included targeting strategically important objectives, defending critical maritime infrastructure, and utilizing unmanned reconnaissance and strike platforms. Russian and Chinese forces coordinated actions in the Sea of Okhotsk and the Sea of Japan, focusing on security coordination in the Pacific region.

The "Ocean-2024" exercises emphasized adapting to emerging maritime challenges, including countering unmanned systems and electronic warfare. Russian forces also tested long-range strike capabilities and practiced defense against simulated NATO-style operations. The drills made use of all available naval resources not actively engaged in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. North Korea’s involvement reflects its growing military cooperation with Russia. In recent months, North Korea has reportedly provided munitions and personnel to assist Russia in its military operations. The two countries also formalized a defense agreement in November 2024, committing to mutual support in the event of external aggression.

North Korea’s navy, part of the Korean People’s Army, operates approximately 780 vessels, including submarines, missile boats, corvettes, and support ships, with an estimated 60,000 personnel. The navy’s two fleets, the Eastern Fleet based in Wonsan and the Western Fleet headquartered in Nampo, focus on coastal defense and supporting ground operations. The North Korean Navy has been involved in incidents such as the 1968 capture of the USS Pueblo and continues to serve as a key component of North Korea’s defense strategy. The fleet's capabilities in sea control, surveillance, and anti-submarine warfare are limited, with a primary focus on the coastal zone.

The timing of the "Ocean-2024" exercises coincided with increasing military activities by NATO and U.S. forces near Russia’s borders, which Russian officials view as a challenge to regional security. These drills were presented as a response to NATO's expansion in northern Europe and the Arctic. General Gerasimov confirmed that large-scale exercises will continue, with the "Zapad-2025" joint exercise with Belarus planned for the following year. This reflects Russia’s ongoing focus on joint operations and enhancing military readiness in response to global security developments.

Russia’s military relations with North Korea have become more strategic, particularly following the signing of the North Korean–Russian Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in June 2024. This treaty includes a mutual defense clause, obligating both nations to provide military assistance if either is attacked. North Korea has reportedly supplied artillery shells and rockets to Russia for its operations in Ukraine. Additionally, over 12,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia, with over 3,000 casualties reported. These developments highlight the deepening military relationship between the two countries.