In early August, a Russian Air Force aircraft that visited North Korea was reported by foreign media to possibly have been used in a transaction related to discussions between Sergey Shoigu, the Russian Defense Minister who previously visited North Korea, and Kim Jong-un, the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea.
On the 3rd (local time), the U.S.-based North Korea specialist media NK News analyzed the aircraft that entered Pyongyang based on flight tracking data and satellite images, concluding that it was an Ilyushin (IL)-62M model owned by the Russian Air Force. NK News stated that this aircraft is a VIP (Very Important Person) passenger plane used by the Russian military delegation.
They added that during the military talks between North Korea and Russia in July 2019, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Aleksandr Fomin had also flown on this aircraft.
NK News analyzed, "Considering the type of aircraft, it is unlikely that important weapon systems were delivered," but also noted, "However, it is difficult to rule out the possibility that some goods or payments were made."
The visit of this aircraft to Pyongyang attracted attention amid speculation about arms deals between Russia and North Korea.
NK News explained that the flight took off from Moscow and arrived at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport shortly after 8 a.m. Korean time on the 1st, then returned to Moscow around 9 p.m. the following day. They added, "This shows that the aircraft stayed on the ground for about 36 hours."
It was also pointed out that this flight was conducted without prior notice, and that Russian and North Korean state media have not reported on it.
Previously, Minister Shoigu led a Russian military delegation to North Korea from July 25 to 27 to mark the anniversary of the Korean War armistice agreement (Victory Day). Some speculated that the two countries might have engaged in arms transactions.
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