South Korea: North Korea Eyes Further Russia Troop Deployments, Not Imminent
South Korea's Assessment of North Korea's Military Support to Russia
Current Troop Deployment Preparations
SEOUL, Aug 24 (Reuters) - South Korea's Defence Ministry said North Korea was continuing preparations for an additional troop deployment to Russia, but had detected no signs that such a deployment was imminent, according to a South Korean lawmaker's office.
Denial of Imminent Deployment
The assessment came after North Korea's Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un, last week denied Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's claim that Pyongyang planned to send up to 50,000 more troops to Russia to fight for its ally.
Weapons and Ammunition Supplies
Continued Arms Transfers
South Korea's Defence Ministry said in a statement to lawmaker Yu Yong-weon that North Korea had continued to supply Russia with weapons systems, including short-range ballistic missiles, according to Yu's office.
Volume of Ammunition Supplied
North Korea is estimated to have supplied Russia with more than 15 million rounds of artillery ammunition, measured in 152-millimetre shell equivalents, it said.
Missile Development and Technical Cooperation
Improvements in Missile Accuracy
The lawmaker's office, citing a South Korean Defense Intelligence Agency assessment, said North Korean missiles used in the war may have improved in accuracy through battlefield data, alongside Russian technical advice and component support.
Advancements in Ballistic Missiles and Rocket Launchers
The ministry also said the development of some North Korean ballistic missiles and multiple rocket launchers assessed as being intended for use in a conflict with South Korea was nearing completion, the lawmaker's office said.
Operational Deployment of Hwasong-12
The ministry added that North Korea's Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile, capable of reaching the U.S. territory of Guam, was being prepared for operational deployment, according to Yu's office.
Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Capabilities
North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missiles have the flight capability to reach the U.S. mainland, the ministry said, but key technologies, including warhead re-entry, have not been verified because all test launches have been conducted on lofted trajectories.
Military Cooperation Between North Korea and Russia
Deepening Ties Since Ukraine Invasion
North Korea and Russia have deepened military cooperation since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with Pyongyang supplying artillery ammunition and missiles since 2023 and deploying troops from 2024, according to South Korean, Ukrainian and Western assessments.
Official Denials
Moscow and Pyongyang have previously denied arms transfers.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Joyce LeeEditing by Ed Davies)