South Korean Defense Ministry: Russia may Have Provided Submarine Technology to North Korea

North Korea has likely received technical assistance from Russia to advance its submarine fleet.

South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik stated this during a parliamentary defense committee hearing, as reported by Reuters.

According to the minister, Pyongyang is actively developing submarines capable of launching ballistic missiles. The country has already conducted tests of such missiles from submarines, though it remains unclear whether it has successfully carried out a fully operational launch.

Ahn Gyu-back noted that North Korea was likely receiving ‘various technologies’ to develop its submarine fleet. This information is supported by South Korean intelligence data.

Military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow has significantly intensified over the past two years. According to intelligence estimates, North Korea has sent more than 10,000 troops to take part in the war against Ukraine.

In exchange, Russia is providing Pyongyang with economic and military-technical support, including technologies aimed at modernizing its weapons systems – particularly submarines and missile systems.

Our special article dedicated to North Korea’s submarine fleet and its strategic needs is available here.