Seoul: North Korea has delivered 200 long-range artillery pieces to Russia and may further increase military support, including troops and weapons, South Korea’s defense ministry warned on February 11.
The development was reported by Yonhap News Agency, citing assessments from South Korea’s intelligence agency. Officials estimate that Pyongyang has already sent 11,000 troops to Russia, with battlefield losses amounting to 300 killed and 2,700 wounded.
During a briefing to the parliamentary defense committee, South Korea’s defense ministry revealed that North Korea had also provided Russia with missiles, artillery, and large quantities of ammunition. Officials cautioned that additional reinforcements, weaponry, and supplies could follow.
Potential Arms-for-Technology Exchanges
South Korean officials suspect that in return for its military support, North Korea may be receiving advanced technology from Russia. Potential transfers could include assistance with nuclear-powered submarines and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) technology—particularly atmospheric re-entry systems, which North Korea has yet to perfect.
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As part of its broader military ambitions, North Korea is expected to accelerate weapons development in 2025, the final year of its five-year military expansion plan. Key projects include nuclear submarines, spy satellites, and solid-fuel ICBMs.
North Korea’s Role in the War in Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently reported that 4,000 North Korean soldiers had been killed in combat on the Kursk front out of the estimated 12,000 deployed. The figures suggest that North Korea is suffering heavy losses while playing an active role in Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.
