Russia trades advanced weapons with North Korea for ammo
North Korea backs Russia in its brutal war against Ukraine, and it is now evident what Pyongyang gains in return for this support. A report by the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) reveals that Russia supplies North Korea with electronic warfare gear and air defense weapons, such as the advanced Pantsir-S1 systems.
MSMT is an international team monitoring sanctions against North Korea, established in October 2024. Their findings reveal that Pyongyang has already supplied Moscow with around 9 million rounds of ammunition, primarily artillery shells of 122 mm and 152 mm in calibre, which are crucial for Putin's army. Additionally, it has provided multiple rocket launcher systems with a calibre of 240 mm and long-range self-propelled artillery with a calibre of 170 mm. However, this was not done for free.
Russia arms North Korea
As MSMT reveals, in exchange for those supplies, Russia transfers to North Korea other weaponry which Pyongyang significantly lacks. Since November 2024, advanced electronic warfare equipment and anti-aircraft systems, including an unspecified number of Pantsir-S1 units, have been delivered to them.
According to the MSMT report, the introduction of the Pantsir-S1 marks a substantial upgrade to North Korea’s air defense capabilities, surpassing the performance of both their outdated Russian-made systems and their own untested domestic alternatives.
One of the best Russian anti-aircraft systems
The Pantsir-S1 is one of the more modern anti-aircraft systems produced by Russia. It was first used in the 1990s and is highly regarded, having been responsible for the protection of Moscow and Vladimir Putin's residence in Sochi, among other notable locations.
Its standard equipment includes 12 anti-aircraft missiles, 57E6 or 57E6-E, which enable it to intercept targets within a range of up to roughly 19 km and moving at altitudes of up to 14 km. These are complemented by 2A38M automatic cannons with a calibre of 30 mm and a range of about 4 km.
It is not the only form of compensation that Pyongyang receives from Moscow. The regimes, however, maintain their cooperation in secrecy. Unofficial findings suggest that the Russians are assisting North Korea with developing an AWACS aircraft, and they may soon revitalise the country's outdated air force through the transfer of MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters.
