North korea: North Korea has started deploying the Pantsir-S1 air defense system, received from Russia, to safeguard Pyongyang, as reported by a Ukrainian online newspaper citing insights from Kyiv's intelligence chief.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR), revealed this development during an interview with Hromadske Radio. The Pantsir missile system is composed of self-propelled, medium-range surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft artillery systems, and the first installations are reportedly already active in Pyongyang.
Budanov mentioned that Russian personnel are currently retraining North Korean operators, who will soon operate the technology independently. The Kyiv Independent highlighted this deployment as an indication of North Korea's efforts to enhance its military capabilities through cooperation with Russia.
Further details from the intelligence chief pointed out that North Korea is amplifying its military strength through direct collaboration with Moscow. Under a defense agreement initiated in June last year, North Korea has been supplying arms and troops to Russia in exchange for training and advanced military technologies.
In addition to the Pantsir-S1 systems, Russia has allegedly provided North Korea with sophisticated electronic warfare systems and assistance in refining its KN-23 ballistic missiles.