Seoul says North Korea received Russian anti-air missiles in return for troop dispatch

Asked what Seoul believes Pyongyang has received for the troops, top security adviser Shin Won-sik said: “It has been identified that equipment and anti-aircraft missiles aimed at reinforcing Pyongyang’s vulnerable air defence system have been delivered to North Korea.”

Speaking to local broadcaster SBS, Shin added that North Korea has received “various forms of economic support” and “following the failure (launch) on May 27, North Korea has been working on satellite-related technology”.

Experts have previously said that in return for the troops, North Korea was likely aiming to acquire military technology, ranging from surveillance satellites to submarines, as well as possible security guarantees from Moscow.

North Korean leader Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a strategic partnership treaty in June during the Kremlin chief’s visit.

It obliges both states to provide military help “without delay” in the case of an attack on the other and to cooperate internationally to oppose Western sanctions.