North Korea Tests New Air Defense Missiles Amid Russian Cooperation

North Korea has tested two new types of surface-to-air missiles for its air defense systems amid growing military cooperation with Russia, state news agency KCNA reported.

The launches took place on August 23rd at a missile test range in North Korea.

According to KCNA, the missiles were fired at various targets, including strike drones and cruise missiles, to verify their stated capabilities.

The guidance and response systems are said to be based on ‘unique and special technology.’

KCNA did not provide technical details, but analysts say the upgrades may have been made possible through military-technical cooperation with Moscow.

Since signing a Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Russia has transferred Pantsir-S1 air defense systems to Pyongyang to strengthen defenses around the capital. Russian systems have also been spotted on North Korea’s newest missile destroyer, including the naval version of the Pantsir-S1.

Kyrylo Budanov, head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, has said Russia had provided technical support to improve the KN-23 ballistic missile, having reduced its margin of error from 500–1,500 meters, having significantly boosted accuracy and effectiveness.

Budanov also said Moscow planned to help North Korea establish production of long-range Shahed-136 kamikaze drones of Iranian origin, as well as the local versions of Garpiya and Geran-2 drones.

Militarnyi previously reported that Pyongyang had supplied Russia with ammunition, weapons and other military aid worth tens of billions of dollars. Most of the revenue (about $19.2 billion) came from artillery shells of 122 mm and 152 mm caliber, multiple rocket launchers, Bulsae-4 anti-tank missiles and KN-23 ballistic missiles.