Russia Supplied Anti-Aircraft Missiles to North Korea in Exchange for Troop Deployment, South Korea Reports

Russia supplied North Korea with anti-aircraft missiles and other air defense equipment in exchange for North Korean troop deployment in Russia, according to a senior South Korean official. This was reported by South Korean outlet Yonhap News Agency.

South Korean Minister of National Defense, Shin Won-Sik, stated that Russia had provided aid to bolster Pyongyang’s air defense capabilities, speaking to South Korean television channel SBS on November 22.

When asked about what North Korea might receive in return for its military support, he said, “Russia is believed to have provided equipment and anti-aircraft missiles to strengthen Pyongyang’s vulnerable air defense system.” “We believe there has also been economic aid in various forms,” Shin added, “following North Korea’s failed military spy satellite launch on May 27, Russia had already declared its intention to support satellite-related technologies, and it reportedly supplied various military technologies.”

Russia’s support for North Korea extends beyond munitions and military equipment. Since March of this year, Russia has delivered more than 1 million barrels (56,000 tons) of oil to North Korea, likely part of a broader trade deal in which Moscow is paying Pyongyang with fuel in exchange for weapons and military aid to support its war in Ukraine.

North Korea, in turn, has been supplying significant military assistance to Russia. According to South Korean officials, Pyongyang has provided substantial military support to Russia in the form of munitions. “North Korea has shipped about 20,000 containers to Russia since August of last year, enough to carry 9.4 million artillery shells,” officials said.