Russia's new allies: North Korean soldiers in Spetsnaz gear
The Russians showcased exercises involving soldiers from North Korea at one of their training grounds, simulating trench warfare. The equipment, which resembles gear typically used by Russian Spetsnaz soldiers, comes as a significant surprise.
A new video has surfaced online showing North Korean soldiers training on a Russian training ground. In addition to hand-to-hand combat and knife throwing, the video also features trench warfare exercises. The equipment is noteworthy, as it includes AK-12 rifles with holographic sights, and there is even one soldier using a shotgun that appears to be a new version of the Baikal MP-155 with an extended tube magazine and an added rail section for optics.
This is not unexpected, as smoothbore shotguns currently represent the most popular form of last-resort anti-drone defense in the war in Ukraine, during an era of widespread use of drones resistant to jamming, controlled through a developed fibre optic or utilizing artificial intelligence algorithms.
The reason for the superior equipment of North Korean soldiers compared to Russian ones is their significantly higher combat value. These soldiers are highly motivated, well-trained in the use of firearms, and willing to attack regardless of their losses. This means they are exceptionally dangerous in close-quarters combat, and the most effective strategy is to eliminate them before they can approach 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 new version features improved sights, a top-mounted rail, and polymer covers with additional rails for attaching accessories such as optical sights, flashlights, or laser sights.
Additionally, the AK-12 is equipped with a new folding stock with adjustable length. The flash suppressor, also serving as a compensator, has been adapted to work with a sound suppressor, and the fire selector was enhanced with a burst mode.
Despite these changes, many soldiers expressed criticism of the AK-12, which led to the development of the AK-12M1 version that entered service in 2023. The most important modification was the introduction of a new selector lever with a safety and the removal of the burst mode.
Furthermore, the Russians changed the way the receiver cover is mounted to ensure stability, so that the optical sights mounted on it do not require readjustment each time the weapon is assembled. The weapon also received a new folding stock with an adjustable vertical cheek pad.
Despite these changes, the AK-12 essentially remains an AK-74M with polymer accessories, slightly heavier and more difficult to clean. The same effect can be achieved with a wide range of accessories for the older weapon.
