Russia & North Korea Increase Weapons Exchanges, Missile Sharing

By Johnny Franks, Warrior Editorial Fellow

The increasing military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang is an emerging shift in the global strategic landscape that considerably impacts deterrence efforts by Seoul and Washington. This partnership has deepened in the era after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with North Korea becoming significantly more aligned with Russia’s anti-Western stance and strategic objectives in the Indo-Pacific arena. This is not merely about diplomatic support; it involves concrete military cooperation that directly challenges regional stability and international security standards.

One of the critical aspects of the cooperation is the weapons systems and military technologies being shared or supplied between Russia and North Korea. Reports note that North Korea has exported ballistic missiles to Russia, which are then used in the conflict in Ukraine. These ballistic missiles, combined with artillery and other military equipment from North Korea furnished to Russia, cast light on an observable exchange of weaponry and military material that serves Russia’s military needs while engaged in its ongoing conflict. This is not a one-way street, as evidence points to North Korea’s assets getting advanced technology for its space and missile programs in return, further strengthening its military capabilities and posing a significant proliferation threat.

It is in the technological dimensions of this cooperation that the concern is most alarmed. For example, Russia’s interest in North Korea’s KN-25 multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS) denotes how much military value Moscow sees in Pyongyang’s arsenal. The KN-25’s supposed 400-km strike radius exceeds that of Ukraine’s Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), ostensibly positioning itself to impact battlefield dynamics drastically. The delivery of military hardware and technology not only breaches UN Security Council resolutions but also destabilizes the entire region and the global non-proliferation regime.

The exchange of military technologies does not stop at conventional systems. There has also been growing speculation about the exchange of nuclear technologies, cyber warfare capabilities, and advanced aerial systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones. A material exchange of this magnitude could significantly alter the balance of power in various regions. The transfer of such advanced military technologies would not only violate international sanctions but also potentially lead to a new arms race, with severe implications for global nonproliferation efforts and strategic stability.

The political and psychological dimensions of this cooperation should not be underestimated. Support from North Korea for the Russian-led war against Ukraine signifies unconditional defiance against the collective efforts of the international community to maintain peace and stability in general. Thus, the cooperation strengthens both military capabilities and the determination of both countries to resist outside pressures, further complicating deterrence efforts by Seoul and Washington.

This partnership imparts more than a mere reinforcement of military strength given that it strengthens the strategic positions against potential Western power projection. Moreover, for experts in military technology, gaining insights into the technical and strategic implications of Moscow-Pyongyang cooperation is crucial for crafting effective countermeasures to the emerging threats and challenges this alliance presents.