Seoul says North Korea received Russian anti-air missiles in return for troop dispatch

National Security Director Shin Wonsik said Moscow also provided other equipment to reinforce Pyongyang’s air defence system

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A Russian anti-aircraft missile launching system on display at a military forum in Moscow. Photo: AFP

Published: 3:53pm, 22 Nov 2024Updated: 3:54pm, 22 Nov 2024

Russia gave North Korea anti-air missiles in exchange for deploying troops to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine, Seoul’s top security adviser said on Friday.

The United States and South Korea have accused the nuclear-armed North of sending more than 10,000 soldiers to help Russia fight Ukraine, with experts saying Kim Jong-un was eager to gain advanced technology, and battle experience for his troops, in return.

Asked what Seoul believes Pyongyang has received for the troops, top security adviser Shin Won-sik said: “It has been identified that equipment and anti-aircraft missiles aimed at reinforcing Pyongyang’s vulnerable air defence system have been delivered to North Korea.”

Speaking to local broadcaster SBS, Shin added that North Korea has received “various forms of economic support” and “following the failure (launch) on May 27, North Korea has been working on satellite-related technology”.

Experts have previously said that in return for the troops, North Korea was likely aiming to acquire military technology, ranging from surveillance satellites to submarines, as well as possible security guarantees from Moscow.

North Korean leader Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a strategic partnership treaty in June during the Kremlin chief’s visit.

It obliges both states to provide military help “without delay” in the case of an attack on the other and to cooperate internationally to oppose Western sanctions.