The South Korean military has assessed that North Korea’s newly revealed mid-range air-to-air missile, recently launched from a fighter jet, is unlikely to be operationalized shortly.
At a regular press briefing on Monday, Lee Sung Jun, spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), addressed a question about North Korea’s live-fire missile test and the state of its air force. He stated that Pyongyang has often experienced significant delays in weapons deployment due to difficulties in securing components and materials, and this new missile system is expected to face similar delays.
He also confirmed that the training exercise, which included the missile test, took place over the Yellow Sea at 5 PM on May 15. South Korean and U.S. intelligence agencies had monitored the situation before and after the event.
Lee added that North Korea has a track record of exaggerating or misleading the public through its state media. He emphasized the need to verify further the authenticity of the photos and videos released following the test.
On May 15, under the supervision of leader Kim Jong Un, North Korea carried out air force drills involving both air defense and offensive maneuvers. The released images showed old MiG-29 fighter jets launching what appeared to be new air-to-air missiles and glide bombs, aimed at simulated cruise missile and drone targets.
The new missile resembles the U.S.-made AIM-120 AMRAAM or the Chinese PL-12. Given that the PL-12 was reportedly developed with Russian technical input, some analysts believe North Korea’s system may reflect Russian technological assistance, possibly through modifying the Soviet-designed R-27 medium-to-long-range missile.
When asked whether North Korea may have received advanced military equipment or fighter jets in return for dispatching troops to support Russia, Lee acknowledged that “a connection is believed to exist” but added that further analysis is required to determine the exact nature and scope of such assistance.
When asked whether South Korea’s surveillance assets can detect North Korea-Russia movements, Lee responded that while he could not comment on intelligence operations, authorities are actively monitoring arms transfers and bilateral exchanges.
Regarding recent activity between North Korea and Russia, Lee stated, “We wouldn’t describe it as particularly unusual, but we are aware of flights and shipments taking place via irregular routes.”