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A munitions-for-technology deal looks increasingly likely to be announced as North Korean leadership toured the Vostochny Cosmodrome in far eastern Russia this week.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin led a tour of the modern cosmodrome with Democratic People’s Republic of Korea State Affairs Chairman Kim Jong-un and North Korean officials on 13 September.
Vostochny has hosted dozens of launches since entering service in 2016 and sends a powerful message internationally that Russia is considering aiding North Korea’s sought-after development of military reconnaissance satellites and potential advancement of nuclear-capable missiles.
President Putin has reportedly welcomed the DPRK leader’s interest in rocket technology and expansion into the space domain, according to Russian media.
“This time we are meeting at the Vostochny Cosmodrome, just as we agreed. We are proud of the way this sector is developing in Russia, and this is our new facility. I hope that it will be of interest to you and your colleagues,” President Putin said in an official Kremlin transcript of the talks.
“Our meeting is taking place at a special time. The People’s Democratic Republic of Korea has recently celebrated the 75th anniversary of its founding, and we established diplomatic relations 75 years ago. Our country was the first to recognise the sovereignty and independence of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
“Of course, we need to talk about our economic cooperation, humanitarian issues, and the situation in the region. There are many issues we will discuss.”
It’s expected that Russian officials will seek to purchase or trade for North Korean munitions and artillery rounds to replace or continue supply of those already used in the Ukraine War.
The negotiations also coincide with the launch of two North Korean short-range ballistic missiles from the Sunan area into the East Sea on 13 September, the first to occur while the North Korean chairman was travelling abroad.
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea State Affairs Chairman Kim Jong-un said the meeting is hoped to elevate joint relations to a new level.
“We have been able to see with our own eyes the present and the future of Russia as it builds itself as a space power. Right now, we are having a meeting at a very special moment, right in the heart of the space power which is Russia,” he said in a translated speech during the meeting.
“The Soviet Union played a major role in liberating our country and helping it become an independent state, and our friendship has deep roots. Currently, our relations with the Russian Federation are the top priority for our country.
“We have many issues pertaining to the development of our relations including politics, the economy and culture, in order to contribute to the improvement of the well-being of our peoples.
“Russia is currently engaged in a sacred battle to defend its state sovereignty and security in the face of the hegemonic forces that oppose Russia.
“We are willing to continue to develop our relations. We have always supported and will continue to support every decision made by President Putin, as well as the decisions of the Russian government. I also hope that we will always stand together in fighting imperialism and building a sovereign state.”
Earlier this month, Chairman Jong-un attended the launching of North Korea’s first operational tactical nuclear attack submarine, named Hero Kim Kun Ok (Submarine No 841), at the Sinpho South Shipyard in the Sea of Japan.
The reportedly modified double-hull Soviet-era Romeo Class submarine features 10 vertical launch tubes of varying sizes and no forward torpedo bay.
