South Korea’s Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back told parliament on Monday that North Korea is “likely receiving various technologies” from Russia to advance its submarine program. Pyongyang has long sought to develop submarines capable of launching ballistic missiles and has already test-fired such missiles from underwater platforms. However, experts say it remains unclear whether the regime has successfully launched a ballistic missile from an operational submarine.
This comes amid Pyongyang’s parallel pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines a move that could drastically enhance its second-strike nuclear capability. Over the past two years, North Korea and Russia have deepened military cooperation, with Seoul’s intelligence agencies estimating that Pyongyang has sent over 10,000 troops to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine in exchange for economic and technological aid.
Why It Matters:
If Russia is indeed transferring submarine or missile technology to North Korea, it marks a dangerous escalation in global proliferation networks. Such cooperation would not only strengthen Pyongyang’s nuclear deterrent but also undermine international sanctions regimes designed to contain its weapons programs. It could shift the military balance in Northeast Asia, threatening U.S. and South Korean security interests and complicating Washington’s efforts to contain both Moscow and Pyongyang diplomatically.
United States Calls for Accountability:
Washington has accused Russia of violating U.N. Security Council resolutions and urged Moscow to “cease all arms-related cooperation” with Pyongyang. U.S. defense analysts warn that any enhancement in North Korea’s naval strike capability could complicate deterrence strategies in the Indo-Pacific and increase pressure on U.S. alliances in the region.
Russia Denial Amid Growing Cooperation:
Moscow has denied transferring military technology, maintaining that its cooperation with North Korea remains within “legal frameworks.” However, recent visits between Russian and North Korean officials including high-level defense exchanges suggest that the partnership has deepened beyond rhetoric.
North Korea Defiance and Strategic Messaging:
Pyongyang has celebrated its growing partnership with Moscow as a sign of “mutual resistance against imperialist powers.” State media have praised the alliance as key to building a self-reliant defense industry, using it to bolster domestic propaganda and project an image of technological progress despite international isolation.
What’s Next:
Analysts expect Seoul and Washington to intensify intelligence surveillance on North Korea’s naval facilities, particularly its Sinpo shipyard, where SLBM-capable submarines are reportedly being developed. Diplomatic pressure on Moscow could also ramp up at the United Nations, though Russia’s veto power limits potential punitive action. The growing military nexus between Russia and North Korea signals a new phase of strategic defiance one that may soon extend beyond submarines to broader nuclear and missile cooperation.
With information from Reuters.
