N. Korea sends 200 long-range artillery units to Russia for military tech transfer: Seoul
In its report submitted to the National Assembly's National Defense Committee on Tuesday, the ministry stated, "North Korea has continued supplying weapons, ammunition, and other military support to Russia following its troop deployment to the war in Ukraine.'
The Defense Ministry estimated that North Korea has provided Russia with over 11,000 troops, and a significant amount of ammunition, with the possibility of further reinforcements in the future.
This is an increase from a previous assessment in November last year, when National Security Advisor Shin Won-sik first mentioned an estimated 160 long-range artillery units formed part of North Korea's arms supply to Russia.
The ministry also warned that Pyongyang may be receiving advanced military technology from Moscow in return, stating, "This year marks the final phase of North Korea's five-year defense plan. With Russian support, Pyongyang is expected to enhance its nuclear and missile capabilities while modernizing its conventional forces."
"We are closely monitoring the potential transfer of critical military technology, including ICBM reentry technology and nuclear submarine development," it added.
The report also noted North Korea's lack of response to recent favorable remarks by former US President Donald Trump about its leader, Kim Jong-un, while instead continuing missile launches and showcasing Kim's official visits to nuclear facilities.
'Under its 'strongest countermeasure strategy' against the US, North Korea has engaged in rhetorical provocations and military demonstrations," the report read. 'This suggests an effort to create a favorable environment for potential US-North Korea talks."
The ministry added that the South Korean military, in close coordination with the US, plans to closely monitor North Korea's reconnaissance satellite launch and a possible seventh nuclear test.
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