Seoul: North Korea is likely receiving technical support from Russia to strengthen its submarine capabilities, South Korea’s Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back told lawmakers on October 13. The disclosure highlights deepening military ties between the two countries and raises concerns about the potential shift in regional security dynamics.

According to Minister Ahn, Pyongyang has been actively developing submarines capable of launching ballistic missiles. While North Korea has conducted test launches from submerged platforms in recent years, it remains unclear whether these tests have been fully successful or whether the country has achieved operational deployment of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). “It is premature to confirm a successful SLBM launch from a submarine,” Ahn said, but he stressed that North Korea appears to be benefiting from a range of technological assistance, including support for nuclear-powered submarine development.

Over the past two years, intelligence reports indicate that North Korea has deepened military cooperation with Russia. More than 10,000 North Korean troops are believed to have been deployed to support Russian military operations in Ukraine. In return, Russia has provided economic aid and military technology support, which likely includes assistance for North Korea’s submarine and broader naval programs.

Analysts say that Russian assistance could significantly enhance North Korea’s naval capabilities. “If North Korea is able to successfully operate SLBMs from submarines, it would represent a major step forward in their strategic deterrence and could alter the security balance in the region,” said a Seoul-based defense analyst.

This development comes amid growing concerns over North Korea’s broader weapons programs. The potential transfer of advanced military technology from Russia adds a new layer of complexity to international efforts aimed at containing Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile ambitions. Neighboring countries, including South Korea and Japan, are closely monitoring the situation and assessing potential implications for regional security.

The evolving Russia-North Korea alliance underscores a trend of increasingly intertwined military and strategic interests, signaling a potential challenge for global non-proliferation efforts and the stability of Northeast Asia.