In a startling revelation at the Reagan National Defense Forum on December 7, Admiral Samuel Paparo, the commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, disclosed a significant military arrangement between Russia and North Korea. The deal reportedly involves Russia transferring MiG-29 and Su-27 fighter jets to North Korea in exchange for North Korean troops to bolster Moscow’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
The agreement represents a deepening of military ties between two historically isolated nations, raising alarms across the global security landscape.
Admiral Paparo described the jets being offered as “formidable, but early fourth-generation” aircraft, refraining from revealing the exact number involved. In exchange, North Korea has already deployed approximately 12,000 soldiers to Ukraine. These troops, while not yet engaged in active combat, are believed to be stationed in strategic zones, potentially awaiting deployment alongside Russian forces.
Paparo emphasized that North Korea’s contribution was volunteered rather than solicited by Moscow. The agreement appears to extend beyond the immediate exchange of troops and jets, with North Korea reportedly seeking advanced military technologies. Among the wishlist are ballistic missile re-entry vehicles, modern submarine systems, and improved air defense platforms—enhancements that could significantly bolster Pyongyang’s defensive and offensive capabilities.
This deal is not an isolated case. It mirrors similar arrangements Moscow has forged with other adversaries of the United States, such as Iran and China.
In November 2023, Tehran confirmed the receipt of Russian Su-35 fighter jets, Mi-28 attack helicopters, and Yak-130 combat trainers, with additional speculation around the acquisition of S-400 missile defense systems. These exchanges underscore Russia’s growing reliance on its allies to circumvent international sanctions and sustain its military campaign in Ukraine.
China, too, has been implicated in aiding Russia. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell recently noted that Beijing’s assistance in revitalizing Russia’s military is being reciprocated with access to advanced Russian technologies in submarines, aeronautics, and missiles. These developments highlight a shifting axis of military cooperation among nations opposing U.S. and Western interests.
For North Korea, the jet deal with Russia is a significant opportunity to revitalize its aging air force. Officially known as the Korean People’s Army Air and Anti-Air Force (KPAAF), Pyongyang’s aerial capabilities have stagnated for decades, with much of its fleet deemed outdated or non-operational.
Historically, North Korea relied heavily on the Soviet Union and China for military hardware, with its air force seeing substantial growth during the post-Korean War period. However, the dissolution of the Soviet Union and international sanctions tied to North Korea’s nuclear ambitions stifled further development. Today, the KPAAF fields over 400 fighter aircraft, but most are relics of the Soviet era, with some dating back 40 to 80 years.
Notable operational aircraft include MiG-29 fighters, MiG-23 interceptors, and Su-25 attack planes—largely confined to defending Pyongyang. The addition of more advanced MiG-29s and Su-27s would mark a significant upgrade, though still far from achieving parity with South Korea’s cutting-edge air force.
The Su-27 Flanker, developed during the Cold War, was designed to counter U.S. aircraft like the F-15 and F-14. Known for its speed and agility, the Flanker has remained a staple of Russian air power, capable of carrying an array of missiles and bombs. Its robust design has also made it a favorite for aerobatic demonstrations, despite a history of fatal crashes during such events.
Similarly, the MiG-29 Fulcrum is celebrated for its lightweight design, incorporating aluminum-titanium alloys for maneuverability. Exported widely, the Fulcrum has proven adaptable, with modern variants demonstrating effectiveness when paired with advanced missiles in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
These aircraft could provide North Korea with a much-needed technological leap. However, they would still struggle to counter South Korea’s modern fleet, which includes fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighters and upgraded F-15Ks equipped with state-of-the-art systems.
The Russia-North Korea deal reflects broader geopolitical shifts. Moscow’s willingness to supply advanced weaponry to Pyongyang signifies a deepening desperation as it grapples with sanctions and battlefield challenges in Ukraine. Simultaneously, North Korea’s pursuit of military enhancements underscores its strategic aspirations to challenge regional adversaries.
The disclosure coincides with political turbulence in South Korea. President Yoon Suk Yeol narrowly survived an impeachment vote following his controversial declaration of martial law—an act critics have labeled a failed coup attempt. While Yoon has since apologized and rescinded the order, the incident has cast a shadow over South Korea’s political stability.
Admiral Paparo, however, expressed confidence in the resilience of South Korea’s security infrastructure, emphasizing its capacity to withstand political uncertainties.
As Russia leans on allies like North Korea, Iran, and potentially China, its reliance on proxy support could set a dangerous precedent. These partnerships enable nations under international scrutiny to access advanced weaponry and technologies, circumventing traditional barriers.
For Pyongyang, the deal is as much about prestige as it is about defense. Modernizing its air force would symbolize a revival of military strength and position North Korea as a more formidable player in the region. However, the cost of such upgrades, both financially and diplomatically, remains a significant obstacle.
While North Korea has long sought top-tier Russian aircraft like the Su-35, budgetary constraints have pushed it toward more affordable options like the MiG-29 and Su-27. Even so, these platforms could provide Pyongyang with critical capabilities to counter South Korea’s superior air power.
The presence of North Korean troops in Ukraine also raises significant concerns. While these soldiers have yet to see combat, their eventual deployment could alter the dynamics on the ground. If coupled with advanced Russian weaponry, this infusion of manpower might bolster Moscow’s ability to sustain its protracted campaign.
