North Korea Allegedly Supplies Short-Range Ballistic Missiles to Russia

Amid repeated detections of potential arms trades between North Korea and Russia, military authorities have revealed that there are circumstances in which North Korea has provided short-range ballistic missiles to Russia. Information that various North Korean weapons systems have been transferred to Russia has been disclosed several times, but this is the first time that missile-related movements have been mentioned.

On the 2nd, military authorities said, “The circumstances in which North Korea has provided weapons to Russia began to be identified from the middle of last year,” and “The circumstances in which weapons trade using maritime routes between Russia and North Korea has become more active since August, just before Kim Jong-un’s visit to Russia, are being identified. We are intensively tracking it in close cooperation between South Korea and the U.S.”

About this, the White House in the United States revealed satellite data filmed on September 7-8, 12 at Najin Port in North Korea and Dunai Port near Vladivostok in Russia on the 13th of last month (local time). According to the data, a ship loaded with many containers was confirmed to have traveled between the two ports.

The Ukrainian intelligence authorities also announced on the same day, the 13th of the same month, that Russia is receiving weapons from North Korea.

Military authorities evaluated this as “evidence that a considerable part of the military cooperation plan between Russia and North Korea had been agreed upon even before Kim Jong-un visited Russia.”

So far, it is estimated that a total of about 2,000 containers have headed to Russia through Najin Port. The containers were identified as ‘small,’ about 19.7 feet long and 8.4 feet wide.

Military authorities have estimated that if 2,000 containers are filled with 122mm howitzer shells, more than 200,000 rounds can be transported. The same space filled with 152mm general artillery shells can carry more than 1 million rounds, according to the analysis.

However, military authorities are assuming that North Korea has transferred various weapons systems to Russia. It is observed that in addition to howitzer shells and general artillery shells, △T-52·T-62, and other T-series tank shells, △Howitzer·Artillery· Rifles ·Machine guns ·Mortar and other equipment △Portable anti-aircraft and anti-tank missiles, etc., could have been transported.

In particular, military authorities explained that “there are some circumstances that short-range ballistic missiles are also being supported.”

A military official mentioned the possibility of using trains and aircraft concerning the method of ballistic missile support, saying, “Such circumstances are appearing in part.” It is observed that other means of transport may have been used because it may be challenging to load ballistic missiles in their original form into small containers for ship transport.

The official asked for understanding that “there are such circumstances” regarding the evidence that short-range ballistic missiles were transported, saying, “It is limited to speak in detail.”

Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, and Russian President Vladimir Putin visiting the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Amur Oblast, Russia, in September (archive photo) ⓒKorean Central News Agency

Military authorities also said that ship operations between North Korea and Russia have become frequent recently. In particular, it is explained that Russian containers are being identified in various inland areas of North Korea, especially near ammunition facilities.

A military official said, “Until August and September, one ship operated about once a week,” but “now up to 3-4 are continuously identified, and the cycle is about 3-4 days. It has been significantly shortened.”

He continued, “Russian containers are being identified in many places in the inland area of North Korea,” and “They are being identified a lot near places where trains diverge, places where trains are stored such as marshaling yards, and areas where North Korean ammunition facilities are located.”

The official said, “Even during normal times before Corona, Russian containers were never found in the inland area,” and “They have been identified a lot since August, and some ammunition storage facilities are scattered around. I think a lot of ammunition is being exported.”

Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, inspecting the Dongchang-ri Satellite Launch Site (West Sea Satellite Launch Site) in Cholsan County, Pyonganbuk-do (archive photo) ⓒKorean Central News Agency

Military authorities have assessed that North Korea can expect △support for satellite technology △transfer and cooperation of nuclear-related technology △support for fighter jets and related parts △support for air defense systems △supply of captured Western weapons and equipment, etc., in return for weapons support.

It is observed that they will first receive support for food and fuel for regime stability and winter preparation and then discuss military technology transfer, support for the modernization of conventional power, joint training, etc.

A military official said about the timing of the third launch of North Korea’s military reconnaissance satellite, “They declared the third launch in October (within), but we are reporting that the time is a little delayed while receiving technical advice (from Russia) and solving problems.”

A military official said North Korea is actively conducting engine tests recently, but about the possibility of launching in the short term, “I can’t guarantee it.” He explained that circumstances that can estimate the imminent launch are not being captured.