Russia has agreed to provide MiG-29 and Su-27 fighter jets to North Korea in exchange for military support in its Ukraine campaign, according to US Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo, EurAsian Times reports.
Speaking at the Reagan National Defense Forum on 7 December, Paparo disclosed that the deal includes transferring what he described as “formidable, but early fourth-generation” fighter jets to Pyongyang. In return, North Korea has already dispatched approximately 12,000 troops to Ukraine.
“There is a little bit of political uncertainty in Korea. I’m convinced that, from a security standpoint, there is stability,” Paparo said at the forum.
According to Paparo, North Korea voluntarily offered its military assistance without prompting from Moscow. While these troops are currently stationed in combat zones, they have not yet engaged in active combat, the admiral noted.
Beyond aircraft, Pyongyang may be seeking additional military technologies from Russia, Paparo revealed. These could include ballistic missile re-entry vehicles, modern submarine systems, and upgraded air defense capabilities, which would enhance North Korea’s military position in the region.
This arrangement follows similar military cooperation agreements Moscow has established with other partners. In November 2023, Iran announced it would receive Russian Su-35 fighter jets and Mi-28 attack helicopters, following its earlier acquisition of Yak-130 combat trainers.
Related:
- US: North Korean troops stationed in Kursk yet to engage in direct combat with Ukrainian forces
- Frontline report: Ukrainian precision strike halts North Korean deployment
- Russian 810th marine brigade from occupied Crimea faces heavy losses in Kursk battles, Russian media Verstka reports
- Ukrainian drone strikes deal first blow to North Korean vehicles supporting Russian army
- North Korean troops take up support roles in Russia’s Kursk Oblast
- NATO chief warns Trump: forced Ukraine peace deal could embolden China, Iran, and North Korea
- Ukrainian intel: Russia used around 60 North Korean ballistic missiles against Ukraine
- Zelenskyy confirms first North Korean soldier deaths in Russia
- Ukraine destroys North Korean Bulsae-4 missile system in Kharkiv Oblast
