North Korean Armored Vehicle Appears on Ukraine Battlefield [Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club]

Revealing the Reality of North Korea-Russia Military Cooperation
Over 5.6 Million Artillery Shells Likely Supplied to Russia

The outline of military technology cooperation between North Korea and Russia is emerging. It is analyzed that the agreement signed when Russian President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea for the first time in 24 years last June is being put into action.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Russia and North Korea signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement in June this year. This agreement includes a clause for 'mutual assistance in case of aggression.' It is a measure that goes beyond simple logistical support. There is a high possibility that automatic military intervention in emergencies is also included.

In fact, on the battlefield in Ukraine, there is evidence that Russia is using North Korean-made armored vehicles. According to Radio Free Asia (RFA) on the 30th of last month (local time), the Ukrainian military media outlet 'Kup' posted a photo on Telegram taken from a distance of an armored vehicle on the battlefield near Kharkiv, a city in northeastern Ukraine. The armored vehicle has six wheels and a 6-axle drive type, and its appearance is similar to the North Korean M2010 armored vehicle, so the vehicle itself appears to have been supplied from North Korea.

Support for conventional weapons is also increasing. On the 29th of last month, Shin Won-sik, Minister of National Defense, confirmed in an interview with foreign media after the ROK-US-Japan defense ministers' meeting that North Korea has sent a total of 12,000 containers to Russia so far. This is a scale capable of carrying 5.6 million shells. Minister Shin said, "In return, it seems that Russia is providing North Korea with technology for modernizing conventional weapons."

The National Intelligence Service also reported to the National Assembly Intelligence Committee on the same day that regarding the new engine of North Korea's reconnaissance satellite, "Considering that it is the first time to use a combination of 'liquid oxygen and kerosene,' it is highly likely that the engine was supported by Russia." This is the same method as the first stage of Naro-1 and the first to third stages of Nuri, which South Korea jointly developed with Russia and successfully launched.

A government official said, "Substantial military cooperation between North Korea and Russia is taking place," and added, "We are closely monitoring whether North Korea will dispatch troops following the equipment."