[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] What the US Secretary of State Revealed About North Korea-Russia Transactions

Russia Provides Technical Support for Reconnaissance Satellite Launch to North Korea
North Korea Supplies Russia with 200,000 122mm Rocket Artillery Shells and More

U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken said on the 9th, "We are seeing not only North Korea providing military equipment to Russia but also Russia offering technical support for North Korea's military programs."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

After concluding the South Korea-U.S. foreign ministers' meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Seoul that afternoon, Secretary Blinken described the North Korea-Russia cooperation as a "two-way relationship" during a joint press conference.

Secretary Blinken emphasized that such North Korea-Russia military cooperation is "a matter of great concern for both our countries" and stated, "We will closely monitor the technical support Russia provides to North Korea."

The South Korean government shares the same stance as the U.S. On the 6th, Kim Young-ho, Minister of Unification, also commented on the delay of North Korea's third reconnaissance satellite launch, which was declared to take place in October, saying, "It appears to be connected to receiving technical support from Russia."

Minister Kim, during a meeting with reporters that day regarding North Korea's third reconnaissance satellite launch, said, "There seems to be evidence that technical support related to the reconnaissance satellite launch is being received from Russia," and added, "If it is judged that improvements were made through technical support from Russia after the failure of the second launch, the launch will be pursued." North Korea is reportedly continuing to inspect the engine launch device.

Our military authorities estimate that North Korea has provided Russia with more than 200,000 rounds of 122mm rocket artillery shells in exchange for technical support from Russia.

According to the military authorities' analysis of North Korea-Russia arms transactions, it is estimated that North Korea has sent a total of about 2,000 containers to Russia through Rajin Port so far. If these containers are loaded with 122mm rocket artillery shells, it would amount to more than 200,000 rounds; assuming 152mm shells, it would be over 1 million rounds.

The military authorities identified the weapons and equipment presumed to be supported by North Korea to Russia as 122mm rocket artillery shells and 152mm shells compatible between the two countries, as well as T-series tank shells. Other items include rocket artillery, field artillery, rifles and machine guns, mortars, man-portable air-defense systems, and anti-tank missiles. Short-range ballistic missiles are also assessed as possibly being supplied.

Additionally, to ensure regime stability and survive this winter, North Korea is expected to prioritize receiving food and fuel support, with the possibility of further discussions on military technology transfers, conventional force modernization support, and joint exercises in the future.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Russia and North Korea have been strengthening exchanges and cooperation based on mutual interests. From mid-2022, concrete evidence began to emerge indicating that North Korea was supplying weapons to Russia.

At the military parade on the anniversary of the armistice agreement in July this year, a military delegation including the Russian Defense Minister visited North Korea to discuss military cooperation measures, and practical cooperation has continued since then. Furthermore, from September 12 to 17, Kim Jong-un visited Russia, held a summit with President Putin, and discussed comprehensive cooperation including in the military sector.

A Ministry of National Defense official added, "Our military will closely track related developments and strengthen military readiness in preparation for the technical advancements and potential modernization of North Korea's weapon systems resulting from the enhanced military cooperation between Russia and North Korea."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.