North Korea has reportedly received a powerful mobile air defense system from Russia. Reports revealed that at least one Pantsir-S1 system was delivered to Pyongyang along with a critical electronic warfare tech.
The guidance and targeting systems of the country’s ballistic missiles can also receive upgrades as Moscow has reportedly offered technical upgrade support with the help of its military technicians.
Russia’s military equipment support to Pyongyang is a violation of U.N. sanctions. However, the latest move appears to be a clear sign of Moscow and, Pyongyang’s deepening ties.
The mobile, multi-channel short-range air defense missile and gun system “Pantsir-S1” has high firepower and is capable of effectively engaging a wide range of air attack weapons.
System takes short reaction time to destroy moving targets
The advanced system is distinguished by the presence of combined missile and gun armament. It takes a short reaction time to destroy the enemy’s moving objects with precision and accuracy.
Integrated in a combat vehicle that can conduct reconnaissance, the system is designed for small sized military weapons. It can protect administrative and industrial facilities and large areas from aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and high-precision weapons. The system can also strengthen air defense groups in repelling attacks.
Ready to launch missiles that can destroy multiple targets simultaneously
The system features a twin 30mm anti-aircraft cannon system and 12 ready-to-launch 57E6 surface-to-air missiles. Integrated radar-optical targeting systems allow the Pantsir to track and destroy multiple targets simultaneously within a 13-mile radius and up to nine miles in altitude, reported Army Recognition.
The delivery of such sophisticated weapons to Russia defies U.N. sanctions. The Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) recently released its report on the implementation of United Nations sanctions measures on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
The report focuses primarily on unlawful DPRK-Russia military cooperation, including arms transfers and Russia’s training of DPRK troops.
“With the release of the first report, we underscore once again our shared determination to fully implement relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs),” said MSMT.
“We urge the DPRK to engage in meaningful diplomacy, and call on all states to join global efforts to maintain international peace and security in the face of ongoing threats from the DPRK and those that facilitate its illicit activities in contravention of relevant UNSCRs.”
The report also found that North Korea has supplied Russia with more than 20,000 containers worth of military supplies since September 2023. The shipments include approximately 9 million rounds of artillery and multiple rocket launcher ammunition, more than 100 ballistic missiles and over 200 heavy artillery pieces, as well as anti-tank guided missiles and rockets, according to Yonhap News Agency.
“We will continue our efforts to monitor the implementation of UNSCRs on the DPRK and raise awareness of ongoing attempts to violate and evade UN sanctions,” added MSMT.