Seoul: South Korea’s military on Monday raised the possibility that North Korea received technological assistance from Russia in developing a new air-to-air missile following the North’s test of the weapon last week. On Saturday, the North’s state media reported North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw anti-air combat and air raid drills by an air force flight group earlier in the week, unveiling what appeared to be a live-fire drill involving a new air-to-air missile launched from a MiG-29 fighter jet.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Col. Lee Sung-jun, spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), suggested during a regular press briefing that there might be an association between North Korea’s recent missile development and potential support from Russia. This suggestion arose when asked whether North Korea received arms and advanced technology from Russia in exchange for its troop deployment. However, Lee noted that further analysis is required to ascertain the full extent of Russia’s possible technological assistance.
The JCS official further mentioned that it will likely take considerable time for North Korea to deploy such weapons systems for combat use. He stated, “There have been many cases in which the North attempted to deceive or exaggerate… issues in securing parts and material have led to delays in deployment.” This indicates that, despite the unveiling of the new missile, North Korea may face significant challenges before these systems become operational.
In response to these developments, South Korea is actively pursuing its own air-to-air missile system. Defense authorities aim to complete a research project to build a short-range air-to-air missile system by 2032 and plan to deploy it by 2035. This effort underscores South Korea’s commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities amid regional tensions.
The North’s latest drills underscore Kim Jong-un’s focus on modernizing conventional weapons. His recent public visits to military units and munitions factories highlight a renewed emphasis on strengthening war preparations, further amplifying concerns about regional security dynamics.