A North Korean missile technician, previously identified during the leader Kim Jong Un’s visit to a tactical missile factory in August 2023, has been confirmed to be active on the Russia-Ukraine front, according to a report by South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS).
On Monday, military and intelligence sources revealed that North Korea has deployed several core missile technicians from its Missile Industry Bureau to assist Russia. This move highlights the growing collaboration between Russia and North Korea, particularly regarding ballistic missile and space launch vehicle technologies.
The NIS shared a photograph showing North Korean missile technicians seated alongside Russian military personnel at a North Korean KN-23 short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) launch site in the Donetsk region. These technicians reportedly accompanied Kim Jong Un during his visit to a tactical missile production facility last year and are now actively supporting missile launches in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Their presence allows North Korea to monitor technical issues and potentially secure further technological advancements.
This missile technician reportedly belongs to the Red Flag Brigade under the Missile Industry Bureau. Established in April 2016 under Kim’s directive, the Missile Industry Bureau oversees the production management and administration of North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. Among its units, the Red Flag Brigade consistently appears at major weapon testing sites, and its leader, Choi Chul Ung, accompanied Kim during his visit to Russia last September as the head of the Space Development Agency’s design team.
Observers speculate that North Korea may seek to acquire advanced technologies from Russia in return for this deployment. This could include intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) atmospheric re-entry technology, strategic submarine construction knowledge, and military reconnaissance satellite capabilities. The South Korean government has previously indicated that any confirmed transfer of such key nuclear or missile technologies from Russia to North Korea would be a significant factor in its decision to support Ukraine with lethal weapons.
If these transfers are confirmed, it could lead to a shift in South Korea’s stance on providing military aid to Ukraine, as the exchange of advanced missile technology between North Korea and Russia would raise severe regional and global security concerns.
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