North Korea Conducts Anti-Aircraft Missile Test During Russian Officials’ Visit

North Korea tested its new anti-aircraft missile system while Russian Security Chief Sergei Shoigu visited Pyongyang for talks. The missile system may be prepared for export to Russia for potential use in Ukraine. This development follows a recent military exercise by South Korea and the United States, illustrating escalating military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.

North Korea has conducted a test of its latest anti-aircraft missile system under the guidance of leader Kim Jong Un, as Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu visited Pyongyang for discussions. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the test demonstrated the weapons’ reliability, suggesting North Korea is preparing them possibly for export to Russia for use in Ukraine.

This missile test was reported shortly after South Korea concluded its annual joint military exercises with the United States, which Pyongyang condemned as an aggressive act. The KCNA stated that the test was part of a performance evaluation for a system already in production, although it did not disclose the launch site’s location.

Kim Jong Un expressed confidence in the weapon system’s performance, indicating that it significantly enhances the military’s capabilities. Photographs released by the KCNA depicted the missile launch and explosive display during the test. South Korea’s military was aware beforehand of a possible launch, which reportedly occurred around 9 AM local time.

Experts assert that North Korea’s collaboration with Russia, particularly in defense, is growing stronger. Shin Seung-ki from the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses noted that Moscow likely provided assistance in developing these new missiles. Additionally, Ahn Chan-il from the World Institute for North Korea Studies posited that the recent launch was part of weapons testing intended for Russian use in Ukraine.

Sergei Shoigu’s visit is part of a series of Russian engagements with North Korea, following the earlier trip by Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko. Security analysts have suggested that last year, Russia supplied North Korea with anti-aircraft technology in exchange for North Korean soldiers aiding its military actions in Ukraine, with estimates indicating over 10,000 soldiers may have been deployed.

In summary, North Korea’s recent missile test coincided with significant diplomatic interactions with Russia, highlighting an increasing military alliance between the two nations. The development and potential export of military technology reflect ongoing geopolitical dynamics, particularly in relation to the conflict in Ukraine. These developments raise concerns about the enhanced military capabilities of North Korea and its implications for regional security.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com