U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Samuel Paparo confirmed the claims that North Korea plans to receive fighter jets from Russia in exchange for sending troops to the Ukraine war. This move could enhance North Korea’s stagnating military capabilities.
According to reports from military media outlets like War Zone from Tuesday, Paparo revealed during a security conference on Saturday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California that North Korea is negotiating with Russia to obtain MiG-29 and Su-27 fighter jets in return for troop deployment and that some agreements have already been reached. Security experts have discussed the possibility of Russia supplying fighter jets to North Korea, and Paparo’s confirmation has increased the credibility of these claims. He explained that while the MiG-29 and Su-27 are not Russia’s latest fifth-generation fighters, they still possess significant capabilities. Receiving these aircraft would mean that North Korea could strengthen its military power.
The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) estimates North Korea’s air force has about 400 fighter jets, over 80 light bombers, and around 200 transport aircraft, but most are reportedly outdated and inoperable. War Zone notes that the best-performing aircraft in North Korea’s arsenal are the MiG-29 and Su-25. They believe the new fighter jets from Russia could modernize North Korea’s air force. They also pointed out that while the immediate balance of power on the Korean Peninsula may not shift due to Russia’s provision of fighter jets, the potential for North Korea to receive defense support from Russia raises concerns for South Korea.
The transfer of MiG-29s and Su-27s to North Korea may not be simple. There are concerns that while North Korea has experience with the MiG-29, the Su-27 is unfamiliar to their forces, requiring extensive training for both piloting and maintenance.
Paparo stated that North Korea also seeks Russia’s ballistic missile reentry technology and submarine-related technology. These technologies are directly linked to enhancing North Korea’s nuclear capabilities. They are closely monitored by South Korea, the U.S., and Japan due to their implications for security on the Korean Peninsula.
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