Russia and North Korea have a long history of strategic cooperation, forged during the Cold War.
The Soviet Union was instrumental in supporting North Korea’s establishment in 1948 and provided critical assistance during the Korean War.
In the decades since, the relationship has ebbed and flowed, but recent developments suggest a deepening alliance.
Amid international sanctions and geopolitical isolation, both nations are finding new ways to bolster their capabilities.
Military Aid in Exchange for Strategic Resources
According to Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Russia plans to deliver MiG-29 and Su-27 fighter jets to North Korea.
This move is part of a broader agreement involving North Korea’s provision of ammunition and troops in support of Russia’s war in Ukraine, according to Portal O'bronny.
Paparo emphasized the significance of these transfers, stating that while the jets are older models from the Soviet era, they remain formidable assets capable of enhancing North Korea’s air power.
North Korea’s aging fleet, consisting mainly of Soviet- and Chinese-era aircraft like MiG-21s and Su-7s, has long been in need of modernization.
The delivery of MiG-29 and Su-27 jets could provide a crucial upgrade, adding newer capabilities to Pyongyang’s arsenal.
Analysts speculate that this exchange may also include advanced Russian military technology, such as missile production systems and air defense platforms.
Reports from Ukrainian military intelligence indicate that North Korea has already supplied Russia with over 5 million artillery shells and 100 short-range ballistic missiles this year alone.
Additionally, more than 100 heavy artillery systems, including 170-mm M-1989 Koksan howitzers and 240-mm rocket launchers, have been delivered to Russia, with some deployed for training purposes.
This burgeoning alliance raises concerns beyond the immediate conflict in Ukraine. North Korea’s strengthened military could destabilize the Korean Peninsula, where tensions are already high.
Russia’s support for Pyongyang undermines international efforts to curtail North Korea’s military ambitions.
