Russia has provided North Korea with air defense missiles and military equipment in exchange for sending thousands of troops to fight in the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to South Korea's national security adviser.
Shin Wonsik revealed on Friday during a broadcast on SBS TV that Russia has supplied North Korea with advanced military technologies to enhance the regime's defense capabilities, particularly around the capital, Pyongyang.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns about the expanding military cooperation between the two nations, which has raised alarms in Washington and Seoul.
It follows reports from the U.S., South Korea, and Ukraine that more than 10,000 North Korean soldiers were sent to Russia in October, with some now actively engaged in combat on the front lines in Ukraine.
Why Is Russia Providing North Korea With Military Equipment?
The military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang appears to be mutually beneficial.
While North Korea has supplied artillery, missiles, and other conventional arms to Russia, including over 13,000 containers of munitions since August 2023, Russia's response includes military aid and economic support for the isolated North Korean regime.
North Korea's growing concern over its air defense capabilities, especially after recent provocations from South Korea, appears to have motivated this agreement.
Pyongyang accused Seoul of dropping anti-regime propaganda leaflets over its capital last month, prompting threats of military retaliation.
Why Are North Korean Troops in Ukraine?
South Korea has refrained from confirming or denying whether it was behind the alleged leaflets, but the situation has heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Shin Wonsik also indicated that Russia has been providing North Korea with critical technologies aimed at strengthening its surveillance and military reconnaissance capabilities.
It includes assistance with building space-based systems for more effective intelligence-gathering—a development that may eventually bolster North Korea's satellite and missile programs.
Last year, during a summit with Kim Jong Un, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to help North Korea develop satellite technology.
How Technologically Advanced Is North Korea?
In November 2023, North Korea successfully launched its first spy satellite, although experts have questioned its ability to provide valuable military imagery. A second attempt in May ended in failure.
Seoul and Washington have voiced growing concerns over the possibility of Russia transferring more sensitive technologies, particularly related to nuclear weapons and advanced missile systems.
However, Shin did not confirm whether such transfers had already taken place, and experts suggest that Russia may be reluctant to share this level of technology, at least in the initial phase of the cooperation.
In the meantime, North Korea has continued to bolster its contributions to Russia's war effort.
According to South Korea's National Intelligence Service, North Korea recently sent additional artillery systems to Russia. The North's support has helped replenish Russia's artillery stockpiles, which have been depleted due to the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
The military alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang is seen as part of a broader strategic partnership between the two countries, which was further solidified during high-level talks earlier this week in Pyongyang.
In those discussions, the two nations reportedly agreed to expand their economic and military cooperation, with state-run media from both countries highlighting the growing ties.
This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press
English (US) ·