Russia has provided North Korea with at least one "Pantsir" class air defense system in support for its war against Ukraine. This is discussed in a report by an international group on sanctions monitoring (MSMT) organized by 11 countries, including the USA and South Korea here.
It is reported that the group relies on intelligence service information, with the report primarily focusing on Russia's cooperation with North Korea.
According to MSMT data, the "Pantsir" significantly strengthens North Korea's air defense capability against airplanes, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones. According to one South Korean lawmaker, the weaponry mounted on the new "Cheo Yeon" destroyer resembles Russia's "Pantsir".
The report also states that Russia has supplied North Korea with modern radio-electronic warfare devices and signal jamming equipment, in addition, it is assisting with the development of its ballistic program. Moreover, Moscow is providing Pyongyang with analytical data based on missile test results, which helps to improve their targeting accuracy. However, such actions blatantly violate the resolutions adopted against Pyongyang by the UN Security Council — resolutions for which Russia itself has voted as a permanent member.
According to representatives of the US Congressional Research Service (CRS), Russia's technical support has also significantly increased North Korea's nuclear potential. According to a report published by CRS, Pyongyang has accumulated enough material to produce up to 90 nuclear warheads, nearly 50 of which may have already been assembled.
Analysts emphasize that Russia's assistance is partially considered compensation for the 14,000 military personnel North Korea sent to participate in the battles in the Kursk region. Since September 2023, North Korea has sent more than 20,000 containers loaded with military cargo to Russia. These include close to 9 million artillery shells, more than 100 ballistic missiles, and over 200 pieces of heavy artillery. According to calculations by South Korea's KIDA analysis center, North Korea has earned over 20 billion dollars.
