North Korea acquires conventional weapons technology
Possibility of tank-military aircraft improvement also raised
Pyongyang arms exhibition, ICBMs, etc. unveiled
It has been reported that the military and intelligence authorities have detected circumstances in which North Korea obtained the latest technology and weapons equipment related to conventional power from Russia in return for large-scale weapons support and troop deployment.
National Security Office Director Shin Won-sik also said in a media interview on the 22nd, “We understand that Russia provided related equipment and anti-aircraft missiles to reinforce Pyongyang’s air defense network, which is vulnerable to North Korea.”
In exchange for North Korea’s support of weapons such as long-range artillery and the dispatch of troops, Russia provided air defense systems such as surface-to-air missiles. This is the first time that specific weapons and equipment supported by Russia in exchange for North Korea’s troop deployment have been confirmed. It has been reported that the military has also recently captured evidence that radar and (interceptor) missiles were brought into North Korea from Russia.
Air defense weapons that intercept enemy aircraft or missiles are a set of radar and interceptor missiles. North Korea is building a double and triple air defense network in the Pyongyang area. A large number of SA series surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft guns were deployed in layers according to interception altitude and range. Recently, Lightning-5, similar to Russia’s long-range surface-to-air missile S-300, was spotted, and a new surface-to-air missile called Byeolchi-1-2 was also test-fired. However, most of the air defense weapons are old Soviet-made equipment and are old and break down frequently, so their detection and interception capabilities are assessed to be greatly inadequate. A military official said, “North Korea is reinforcing its outdated air defense network with Russian support in response to our military’s strong air power, including stealth fighters.”
Inside and outside the government, there is also the possibility that North Korea improved its tanks and military aircraft with Russian support. It was reported that the South Korean government had previously detected the situation in which Russia helped improve the performance of North Korea’s old fighter jets, such as the Mig-29, and has been tracking related trends. The possibility of technical support has been raised as the suicide-type unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) that North Korea unveiled in August is similar to the Russian-made suicide drone ‘Lanchat-3’.
Meanwhile, the ‘Defense Development-2024’ armed equipment exhibition held in Pyongyang on the 21st featured the latest weapons developed during Chairman Kim Jong-un’s administration. ‘Chollima-1 (space launch vehicle)’, which launched a reconnaissance satellite (Walli-1) in November last year, and mid-to-long-range hypersonic missiles Hwasong-16I and Hwasong-18-19 solid fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). This was mobilized in large numbers.
The ‘North Korean version of the Iskander (KN-23)’, a means of delivering tactical nuclear weapons to South Korea and exported to Russia, as well as a 240mm multiple rocket launcher and a 600mm super-large multiple rocket launcher, were placed in the centre of the exhibition hall. About eight types of drones were also displayed, including the ‘Saetbyeol-9’, an unmanned attack aircraft called ‘North Korea’s version of the Reaper’, which was first unveiled at the Armed Maintenance Exhibition last year.
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Military reporter Sang-ho Yoon [email protected]
Reporter Shin Jin-woo [email protected]
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How does the modernization of North Korea’s military capabilities affect its strategic balance with South Korea and the United States?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Military Technology Expert
Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. With the recent reports indicating North Korea’s acquisition of advanced conventional weapons technology from Russia, can you provide us with some context around these developments?
Expert: Absolutely, it’s a significant development in the ongoing dynamics in Northeast Asia. North Korea’s reported acquisition of military technology, especially in exchange for its artillery support and troop deployment to Russia, highlights an evolving partnership. This cooperation has likely been fostered by both nations seeking to counter Western influence.
Editor: Indeed, and as outlined in recent reports, National Security Office Director Shin Won-sik indicated that Russia is supplying equipment to bolster North Korea’s air defence system. How does this impact the military balance in the region?
Expert: North Korea’s air defence has traditionally been viewed as outdated and ineffective, relying heavily on Soviet-era technology. With Russia providing more advanced anti-aircraft missiles and radar systems, we may see an enhancement of their defence capabilities, making it more difficult for South Korea and allied forces to operate in North Korean airspace undetected. This could potentially alter the strategic calculus for military planners.
Editor: It’s interesting to note that while new systems are being introduced, much of North Korea’s current arsenal remains old and prone to failure. How critical is this juxtaposition of antiquated systems and new technology?
Expert: That’s a key point. While upgrading their arsenal with new technology can improve North Korea’s overall military effectiveness, the reliability of these systems is paramount. If North Korea is still primarily dependent on their old hardware, the expected improvements may not be realized in actual combat scenarios. It’s a classic case of quantity versus quality, and North Korea will have to find a balance.
Editor: Moving to the topic of ground forces, there’s speculation that North Korea is also modernizing its tanks and military aircraft with Russian assistance. Can you elaborate on that?
Expert: Yes, there are reports that suggest North Korea may have received support for upgrading its aging fleet, including fighter jets like the MiG-29. This could improve their capabilities significantly. If they manage to enhance their tank technology as well, it could pose new challenges for South Korea’s military operations. The partnership with Russia provides an opportunity to leapfrog some of these technologies, albeit the foundational issues with their existing platforms remain.
Editor: The recent ‘Defense Development-2024’ exhibition in Pyongyang showcased a variety of weapons and technology, including air defence systems and intercontinental ballistic missiles. What does this exhibition reveal about North Korea’s military ambitions?
Expert: The exhibition reflects North Korea’s intent to showcase its military advancements and self-reliance, especially under Kim Jong-un’s administration. Featuring systems like the Chollima-1 satellite launch vehicle and hypersonic missiles indicates a desire to project power and technological advancement. It’s also a message to external observers, including the U.S. and its allies, that North Korea is actively advancing its military capabilities despite international sanctions.
Editor: How should we interpret the unveiling of North Korea’s version of the Iskander missile, particularly in the context of tactical nuclear capabilities?
Expert: This development is concerning as it signals that North Korea is not only enhancing its conventional capabilities but also refining its tactical nuclear options. By possibly exporting such technology or showcasing advanced missile systems that can deliver nuclear payloads quickly, North Korea is extending its deterrence strategy. This could escalate tensions considerably within the region and provoke stronger reactions from South Korea and the United States.
Editor: given these developments, what should we be watching for in the coming months regarding North Korea and its partnerships?
Expert: We should pay close attention to the operational effectiveness of the newly acquired technologies, any subsequent military exercises conducted by North Korea, and continued international responses. Additionally, tracking how this partnership with Russia evolves will be crucial, as it not only impacts the regional dynamics but also the global security framework. The implications of this military cooperation could be profound, affecting diplomacy and security strategies around the world.
Editor: Thank you for your insights today. The situation is indeed complex and warrants close attention from the international community.