Russia trades air defense system for North Korean troops
Russia has provided North Korea with an air defense system in exchange for military support in the conflict with Ukraine, reports Shin Won Sik, director of South Korea's National Security Office.
4:33 PM EST, November 22, 2024
The director of South Korea's National Security Office, Shin Won Sik, revealed that Russia supplied North Korea with an air defense system along with missiles.
This transaction resulted from an agreement under which Pyongyang sent troops to support Russia in the war with Ukraine.
Military cooperation between Russia and North Korea
Shin Won Sik explained on SBS News Briefing that Russia delivered equipment and anti-aircraft missiles to strengthen North Korea's air defense. In exchange for this support, Pyongyang sent its soldiers to the Ukrainian front.
An official from the Seoul government added that Russia had already committed last year to support North Korea's satellite technology. This followed Pyongyang's unsuccessful attempt to launch a spy satellite.
Further technological and economic support
Shin noted that Russia will likely provide North Korea with other military technologies and offer economic support.
According to intelligence services from the U.S. and South Korea, North Korea has delivered 20,000 containers of ammunition to Russia, which could hold approximately 9.4 million 6-inch artillery shells.
This year, North Korea supported Russia by sending over 12,000 soldiers, who were deployed in the Kursk region.
