Russian SAMs for the DPRK
Russian Army S-400 air defense missile system firing training. Photo by Russian Defense Ministry
The topic of Russian-Korean military cooperation continues to be discussed abroad, and new “details” are constantly being added. Thus, recently it was reported that Russia is transferring some anti-aircraft missiles to the DPRK. missile complexes and related property. However, the sources of this information are limited to only the most general statements and do not provide any details or evidence.
New sensation
On November 22, Chief Advisor to the President of the Republic of Korea Shin Won-sik appeared on one of the South Korean TV channels. He touched upon issues of national security, including the topic of military cooperation between the DPRK and Russia. This cooperation between the two countries is expanding, and the advisor to the South Korean president shared new details.
Shin Won-sik, citing his closed sources, reported that Russia recently transferred a number of anti-aircraft missile systems to the North Korean armed forces. Missiles for these systems, auxiliary systems and other equipment were also supplied.
The adviser to the South Korean president did not specify which complexes and systems the DPRK received. However, Seoul is drawing obvious conclusions about the purpose of such deliveries. With the help of Russian products, the Korean People's Army will modernize its air defense forces in the near future and improve their combat capabilities.
Sending the S-400 system to Turkey, 2019. Photo by the Turkish Ministry of Defense
Despite its dubious nature and lack of evidence, "news" from a South Korean official attracted the attention of the foreign press. The lack of evidence has led to a variety of assessments, assumptions and forecasts. Given the nature and characteristics of the "sensation" itself, one should not expect much from the conclusions based on it.
The foreign press suggests a version according to which the transfer of the SAM system is directly connected with the supposed dispatch of a North Korean contingent to the Special Operation zone. Allegedly, Russia is thus thanking the DPRK for its assistance.
Also, abroad they are trying to guess what kind of systems the KPA could have received. In this context, the long-range S-400 systems are mentioned first. In addition, they do not exclude the possibility of transferring other types of equipment, such as the Pantsir, used in close-range defense.
Despite active discussions and the emergence of various versions, Shin Won-sik's statements remain only rumors. Russian and North Korean authorities have not yet commented on the reports of the SAM system. There is also no evidence of the transfer of such equipment. It is quite possible that this is another leak, continuing a long chain of rumors about Russian-Korean cooperation.
Launcher of the North Korean Pongae-5 air defense missile system. Photo Wikimedia Commons
The current position
The veracity of the information from Seoul has not yet been confirmed. However, there is reason to believe that Pyongyang is indeed interested in modernizing its troops. Defense with the help of Russian technology. This interest is due to both the high performance of Russian-made air defense systems and the not-so-great state of the Korean air defense.
The exact composition and equipment of the KPA air defense units and formations remain unknown. According to available data, the air defense system in the DPRK is organized according to the Soviet model, with division into troop and facility, which are subordinate to different structures. These formations are armed mainly with obsolete models of Soviet production, as well as their improved versions and foreign analogues.
In the object air defense, a significant place is still occupied by the old S-75, S-125 and S-200 systems, which have been repeatedly modernized. In the 5s, they were supplemented and, possibly, partially replaced by modern Ponge-9 air defense systems of domestic production. According to the version widespread abroad, this system was created on the basis of the Chinese HQ-300, which, in turn, is a modified version of the Soviet S-XNUMXP.
Russian anti-aircraft missile and gun system Pantsir-S1. Photo by Rosoboronexport
Various air defense systems are combined into several echelons, depending on the range of action. The maximum range of detection and destruction of air targets is calculated in hundreds of kilometers. SAM and SAM systems are capable of destroying aerodynamic targets. The anti-missile potential is unclear.
The ground forces also have their own air defense. It is equipped with a large number of Soviet and Russian portable air defense systems of the Strela and Igla series. In addition, thousands of barrel systems of various calibers remain in service - from 14,5 and 23 mm to 85 and 100 mm.
In general, the Korean air defense fleet is not distinguished by its novelty and high characteristics. The newest model in its composition is the Pongae-5, similar to the old versions of our S-300P air defense missile system. This is why the KPA is interested in obtaining modern equipment and weapons that will allow for the re-equipment of units and an increase in the level of protection against air attacks.
Possible desires
According to foreign estimates, the DPRK could have ordered and received modern Russian S-400 Triumph systems. Given the general interest of foreign countries in these products, this version can be considered plausible. Several foreign customers have already received their Triumphs, and the KPA could well become the next customer and operator.
Tor-M2 SAM system during firing. Photo by Rosoboronexport
By adopting and putting the S-400 systems on duty, the DPRK is receiving a number of positive results. First of all, this is a physical and moral renewal of the air defense. The S-400 is in all respects significantly newer than the main part of the North Korean air defense fleet, and this will be useful both now and in the foreseeable future.
"Triumph" is a long-range system with the corresponding technical characteristics. Its radars are capable of detecting airborne objects at distances of up to 500-600 km and tracking dozens of targets simultaneously. The system includes several types of missiles with a launch range of at least 250-300 km. The S-400 is capable of hitting both aerodynamic and ballistic targets.
The KPA's air defense system can be strengthened by using combat vehicles of the Pantsir family. This is a short-range system equipped with both barrel and missile weapons. Pantsir is capable of interacting with other Russian-developed air defense systems. It provides for the exchange of data on the air situation, transmission of orders, etc.
With the help of the standard missile "Pantsir" in the export version it can hit air targets in a radius of 15-20 km at altitudes of up to 15 km. In the near zone, at a distance of up to 3-4 km, a pair of double-barreled 30-mm machine guns operate at targets.
Buk-M3 SAM system in the Special Operations area. Photo by the Russian Ministry of Defense
The KPA air defense forces can be updated with late versions of the Tor SAM system. This system is capable of accompanying army units and formations, as well as providing constant air situation control and, if necessary, opening fire. Late modifications of this system are capable of hitting targets at distances of 10-12 km and altitudes of 10 km while moving or at a short stop. Several versions of the Tor have been developed with different equipment and based on different chassis.
The ground forces can also use the medium-range Buk system. It is also designed to accompany and protect units at bases, on the march or in concentration areas. Later modifications of this SAM system are capable of detecting targets at distances of at least 70 km and hitting them at comparable distances. An important feature of the Buks is the presence of the so-called launcher-loader - a special machine capable of transporting missiles, loading them onto a self-propelled firing unit, and also independently launching them.
Rumors or truth
Overall, we are witnessing a curious situation. A foreign official is talking about a new stage of Russian-Korean cooperation, but he does not provide any evidence. Moreover, there are reasons to doubt the veracity of his words. At the same time, in the current situation, the DPRK may indeed show interest in Russian weapons and equipment, including modern air defense systems.
What is actually happening is still unclear. However, any scenario can be expected. Russia and the DPRK recently signed a military cooperation agreement, and one of the results of this could be the supply of modern weapons. In particular, the KPA could acquire Russian anti-aircraft missile systems. If this happens, it is quite possible that the supplies will be announced officially and openly - and without Seoul's help.
Information