South Korea has revealed that Russia provided air defense missiles to North Korea in exchange for sending troops to support Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine, according to a senior government official.
Shin Wonsik, the national security adviser to President Yoon Suk Yeol, disclosed on Friday during a televised interview that Russian-supplied missiles and other equipment have bolstered North Korea’s air defense systems in its capital, Pyongyang.
The revelations follow claims from the U.S., South Korea, and Ukraine that North Korea deployed over 10,000 troops to Russia in October. Reports suggest some of these troops have begun engaging in combat, though the precise terms of the deal between Pyongyang and Moscow had remained unclear until now.
Air Defense and Economic Support
Observers believe North Korea is prioritizing its air defense capabilities following allegations last month that South Korea used drones to drop propaganda leaflets over Pyongyang. In response, North Korea issued a stern warning of military retaliation if such incidents recur, though South Korea’s military has neither confirmed nor denied involvement.
In addition to missiles, Shin claimed Russia has provided economic aid and advanced military technologies to North Korea, including support for the regime’s space-based surveillance initiatives.
Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly promised North Korean leader Kim Jong Un assistance in developing satellite technology during their summit last year. While North Korea launched its first spy satellite into orbit in November 2023, experts question its capability to provide actionable military intelligence. A subsequent satellite launch attempt in May failed.
Fears Over Sensitive Technology
Seoul and Washington have raised concerns about the potential transfer of nuclear and missile technology from Russia to North Korea. However, Shin noted there is no evidence of such transfers occurring yet. Analysts suggest that such exchanges are unlikely during the initial phase of North Korea’s troop deployments to Russia.
Arms and Economic Deals
In a related development, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported this week that North Korea has also supplied artillery systems to Russia. Since August 2023, North Korea has allegedly sent over 13,000 containers filled with artillery, missiles, and other conventional weapons to aid Moscow’s depleted stockpiles.
The NIS findings come amid a fresh economic agreement between North Korea and Russia, announced following high-level talks in Pyongyang this week. State media from both countries confirmed the deal but provided few details.
The growing military and economic ties between North Korea and Russia have prompted increased vigilance from South Korea and its allies, as they monitor the implications of this emerging alliance on regional and global security.