North Korea tested its new anti-aircraft missile system as Russia’s Security Council Secretary visited Pyongyang. Experts suggest the test may involve weapons for export to Russia for use in Ukraine. This cooperation between the two countries appears to be strengthening, with significant military implications.
North Korea recently conducted a test of its anti-aircraft missile system overseen by leader Kim Jong Un. The test coincided with the arrival of Russia’s Security Council Secretary, Sergei Shoigu, in Pyongyang for discussions. State media reported that this weapons system is deemed “highly reliable” and is expected to enhance the combat capability of North Korea’s military.
The missile test occurred shortly after South Korea concluded an annual joint military exercise with the United States, which North Korea condemned as “a rehearsal of war of aggression”. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the test aimed to evaluate the performance of a newly developed missile system, with production already underway.
Kim emphasized that this weapons system represents a significant advancement in North Korea’s defense capabilities. Photographs released showed a missile launch and Kim observing the exercise. South Korean military officials noted that they were aware of the impending test launch, which occurred at around 9 AM local time.
Experts suggest that North Korea may be receiving Russian assistance in developing its missile systems, indicating an increasing cooperation between the two nations. Shin Seung-ki from the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses remarked that it is “highly likely” that Russia supported North Korea’s weapons development efforts.
Ahn Chan-il from the World Institute for North Korea Studies proposed that the recent missile test may be an effort to create weapons for export to Russia for its military operations in Ukraine. Meanwhile, high-profile Russian officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, have made visits to Pyongyang, further emphasizing the growing ties between North Korea and Russia.
Reports indicate that over 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to Russia, providing support in its conflict with Ukraine, with recent reports suggesting additional troop deployments to the front lines in the region of Kursk.
The recent missile test by North Korea underscores the strengthening military collaboration between North Korea and Russia, with implications for regional security. As both nations engage in discussions aimed at enhancing military capabilities, the possibility of weapon exports for the conflict in Ukraine raises concerns among neighboring countries about the evolving security dynamic in the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
