South Korea’s top military official said on Tuesday that Russian technology may have been used in the development of North Korea’s newest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-20, which was unveiled during a military parade last week.
General Kim Myung-soo, chairman of South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, made the remarks during a parliamentary hearing in Seoul in response to questions from lawmakers about possible foreign assistance behind Pyongyang’s latest missile advances.
“It is possible that Russian technology was used in the development process,” Kim told the National Assembly’s defence committee, referring to the Hwasong-20 ICBM, which analysts have described as North Korea’s most advanced long-range missile to date.
North Korea showcased the new missile during a large-scale military parade in Pyongyang, attended by leader Kim Jong Un and senior officials.
The missile, believed capable of striking targets anywhere in the continental United States, highlights Pyongyang’s continuing progress in long-range nuclear weapons development despite international sanctions.
The comments come amid growing Western concern over expanding military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. U.S. and South Korean intelligence agencies have recently accused North Korea of supplying Russia with artillery shells and missiles for use in its war in Ukraine, in exchange for advanced military technology and satellite expertise.
While South Korea’s defence ministry has not presented direct evidence linking Russia to the Hwasong-20, officials say the design’s sophistication and rapid development raise “serious questions” about external support.
Seoul and Washington have condemned any arms or technology transfers between Russia and North Korea as violations of U.N. Security Council resolutions, warning they would respond with coordinated sanctions if such cooperation is confirmed.
North Korea, meanwhile, insists its weapons programme is entirely indigenous and aimed at deterring what it calls U.S.-led “hostile policies” against the country.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
