South Korea’s National Security Adviser, Shin Won-sik, has claimed that Russia provided North Korea with anti-aircraft missiles and air defense equipment in exchange for deploying North Korean troops to support its war efforts in Ukraine, according to Ukrinform.
This development underscores a growing military collaboration between Moscow and Pyongyang.
Shin stated that Russia delivered military-technical support to bolster North Korea's underdeveloped air defense systems.
Additionally, North Korea reportedly received military technology to aid its satellite program, particularly after its failed attempt earlier this year to launch a reconnaissance satellite.
Reports from South Korean and U.S. intelligence indicate that more than 11,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia, including near the Kursk region.
Ukrainian intelligence has further revealed that North Korea recently transferred around 50 M1989 Koksan self-propelled artillery systems and 20 upgraded 240-mm multiple rocket launchers to Russia.
Some of these systems have already been deployed to the battlefield.
South Korean intelligence also suggests that the North Korean soldiers sent to Russia have been integrated into airborne and marine units, with some already engaged in combat.
This marks a significant escalation in North Korea’s involvement in Russia’s military operations against Ukraine.
Meanwhile, in late 2022, North Korea announced the launch of the Malligyong-1 spy satellite, claiming it would be operational by December.
However, South Korea has dismissed these claims, stating that the satellite remains inactive and merely orbits Earth without functional capabilities.
These revelations highlight the deepening ties between Russia and North Korea, with both nations leveraging military and technological exchanges to advance their strategic goals amidst ongoing international scrutiny.
