North Korea’s Missile Moves: Their Alliance with Russia Grows

North Korea’s latest missile tests reveal a deepening alliance with Russia amid rising global tensions.

At a Glance

North Korea supplies Russia with ammunition and missiles, worrying U.S. officials.
Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin’s summit signifies a serious threat to U.S. national security.
Russia formalizes North Korea as a weapons supply base for the prolonged conflict in Ukraine.
Biden administration faces challenges as diplomatic efforts with North Korea falter.

Growing Military Cooperation

Recent missile tests by North Korea underscore the nation’s evolving alliance with Russia, a move poised to influence diplomatic relations and security dynamics in the region. North Korea’s actions align with a mutual defense treaty signed during a summit between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang, indicating tighter military ties.

In a significant development, North Korea has sent over 13,000 containers to Russia since mid-2022, presumably loaded with weaponry. Each shipment bolsters Russia’s capacity for an extended conflict in Ukraine. Intelligence sources confirm that these supplies include 122mm artillery shells, mobile anti-aircraft missiles, and anti-tank rockets.

Another alarming aspect is the likely transfer of advanced military technologies from Russia to North Korea. This exchange may involve telemetry systems, nuclear submarine technology, military satelliteware, and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) technology. Such advancements are seen as a direct threat to U.S. national security.

North Korean missiles fired by Russia against Ukraine, as per reports

Watch: https://t.co/eSOXkxUuV6 https://t.co/eSOXkxUuV6

— WION (@WIONews) February 23, 2024

Diplomatic Challenges for the U.S.

North Korea’s missile launches are happening amid a lack of progress in diplomatic efforts by the Biden administration. Despite attempts to restart talks, North Korea has continuously rejected these overtures. Meanwhile, Russia’s recent actions, including using its UN veto power to weaken sanctions against North Korea, complicate global diplomatic efforts further.

“Since mid-2022, North Korea has sent more than 13,000 containers to Russia, likely containing weaponry, according to a military intelligence report disclosed by South Korea’s ruling People Power Party representative, Kang Dae-sik. ‘To prepare for a prolonged war in Ukraine, Russia has moved to formalize North Korea as a supply base for weapons and ammunition,’ the report states. Yonhap notes that this latest figure represents a twofold increase since February, when Defense Minister Shin Won-sik reported that North Korea had sent around 6,700 containers to Russia.”

Recent reports reveal that Kim Jong-un has directed the deployment of 250 nuclear-capable missile launchers to frontline military units. This move indicates North Korea’s ongoing commitment to expand its nuclear arsenal, aiming to counter perceived threats from the U.S.

The White House said that Moscow has started firing North Korean ballistic missiles into Ukraine, and the U.S. is concerned Iran will soon agree to sell Russia missiles.@GeoffRBennett reports on the war in Ukraine as it enters its third calendar year. pic.twitter.com/VBVM6bqCQK

— PBS News (@NewsHour) January 4, 2024

Implications for Global Security

Statements from officials highlight the severe implications for international security. Secretary of State Antony Blinken described the situation as a “matter of deep concern.” The advanced coordination among North Korea, Russia, China, and Iran signifies a possible shift in global power dynamics.

Perhaps one of the most striking developments is the emerging cooperation in space technology between these nations. From Russian rockets launching Iranian satellites to plans for a Russo-Chinese lunar nuclear power plant, this joint space endeavor could tilt the balance of power in unpredictable ways.