North Korea Sends Ballistic Missiles to Russia in Alarming Arms-for-Defense Deal

In a bold and escalating development, North Korea has reportedly shipped hundreds of ballistic missiles and a vast number of artillery shells to Russia, significantly boosting Moscow's firepower in its ongoing war in Ukraine. This alarming revelation was made by Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, during a testimony before the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee.

According to Admiral Paparo, North Korea has already transferred “thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands” of artillery shells and “hundreds of short-range missiles” to the Russian military. In exchange, Russia is expected to supply North Korea with advanced air defense systems—likely including modern surface-to-air missile (SAM) technology that could help Pyongyang protect itself against future airstrikes or surveillance missions.

Paparo described the arrangement as a “transactional symbiosis,” where each country fills the strategic weaknesses of the other. While Russia receives desperately needed munitions for its war against Ukraine, North Korea gains access to advanced defense technologies, thereby enhancing its military posture on the Korean Peninsula.

What Weapons Is North Korea Supplying?

Among the missiles reportedly sent by North Korea are:

• KN-23 Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBMs): These missiles have a range of approximately 400 to 600 kilometers and are capable of maneuvering during flight, making them harder to intercept. They are similar in design to Russia’s Iskander missile system and are suitable for targeting both military and civilian infrastructure.

• KN-15 (Pukguksong-2) Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles (MRBMs): Spotted earlier via satellite images in a Russian military convoy, the KN-15 is a solid-fueled, road-mobile missile with an estimated range of around 1,200 kilometers. This type of missile is significant because it can be launched quickly and from remote locations, making it more survivable in conflict scenarios.

• 122mm and 152mm Artillery Shells: These are compatible with Soviet-era artillery still in use by the Russian military. North Korea, having stockpiles of such ammunition, has become a convenient supplier for Russia as Western sanctions restrict Moscow's own production capabilities.

What Is North Korea Receiving in Return?

In return for its military support, Pyongyang is reportedly receiving:

• Advanced Air Defense Systems: These could include radar-guided SAM platforms capable of protecting North Korea from aerial threats posed by the U.S., South Korea, and Japan. Such systems could drastically improve North Korea’s ability to intercept incoming aircraft or missiles.

• Technical Assistance: Russia may also be providing engineering or scientific support to help North Korea upgrade its defense and missile infrastructure. This could speed up development of newer, longer-range missile systems.

Growing Military Cooperation Raises Alarms

This expanding military relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang has raised serious concerns among U.S. and allied officials. The exchange not only helps Russia maintain its offensive in Ukraine but also empowers North Korea to upgrade its own strategic capabilities, particularly in missile defense and long-range strike potential.

Military analysts suggest that this deal could destabilize both Europe and East Asia. If North Korea gains significant advancements in air defense, it could become bolder in its military posture toward South Korea and Japan. Simultaneously, Russia continues to find new ways to circumvent Western arms sanctions.

The growing arms-for-defense partnership between North Korea and Russia represents a dangerous convergence of two isolated, heavily sanctioned states. Each is helping the other extend their reach and resilience in their respective conflicts. As North Korean missiles rain down on Ukraine, and Russian technology strengthens Pyongyang’s shield, the international community faces a new axis of military cooperation that could threaten peace in multiple regions.

The consequences of this exchange could reshape the military balance in both Eastern Europe and the Asia-Pacific for years to come.