North Korea Showcases Latest Weapons Systems to Russian Defense Minister
North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un hosted a visit by the Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, during which he displayed the country’s newest and most advanced weaponry. The tour included walking past intercontinental ballistic missiles and previously unseen military drones, providing a glimpse into North Korea’s military capabilities. The visit comes in the wake of accusations by Washington earlier this year that Pyongyang was supplying Moscow with weapons for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Photographs released in state media showcased Kim guiding Shoigu through a defense exhibition known as the Weapons and Equipment Exhibition 2023. The exhibition featured North Korea’s largest intercontinental ballistic missiles, namely the Hwasong-17 and the solid-fuel Hwasong-18. Additionally, specialist website NK News suggested that new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were also shown.
The timing of Shoigu’s visit is significant, as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Korean War armistice, which marks Victory Day in North Korea. He is the first known foreign guest to visit the country since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Russia has been a long-standing ally of North Korea, and the two countries have maintained friendly relations. During the visit, Kim and Shoigu discussed matters related to national defense, security, and the regional and international security environment. The North Korean leader expressed his belief that the Russian army and people would achieve significant successes.
However, experts suggest that North Korea is likely to be cautious in providing Moscow with weapons for its war in Ukraine. The move could draw additional sanctions from European countries if it is publicly confirmed. While Russia may be interested in North Korean military industry potential in conventional weapons, the level of assistance remains to be determined.
The visit by Shoigu, a Russian defense minister, is noteworthy due to the infrequency of such visits since the collapse of the USSR. It suggests a potential mutual interest in military and technological cooperation between the two nations.
In a similar vein, Kim also held talks with a high-ranking Chinese delegation led by politburo member Li Hongzhong. The discussions reaffirmed the close relationship between North Korea and its most important ally, China. Kim expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Chinese People’s Volunteers during the Korean War.
Notably, these visits mark a departure from North Korea’s strict self-imposed Covid-19 blockade, which has been in effect since early 2020. The inclusion of foreign guests at the anniversary celebrations indicates a possible newfound flexibility towards border controls.
However, experts suggest that despite the visits, the reopening of North Korea’s borders is unlikely. The country continues to face significant challenges posed by the pandemic, including a broken medical system and a lack of vaccinations.
Overall, North Korea’s display of its latest weaponry to the Russian defense minister highlights ongoing developments in its military capabilities. The visit also suggests potential avenues for cooperation between North Korea and its historic ally, Russia. However, concerns over the supply of weapons for the conflict in Ukraine and North Korea’s cautious approach to such matters cast some doubt on the extent of future collaboration.
