Russia and North Korea are reportedly preparing a rare five-year military cooperation plan that could significantly accelerate Pyongyang’s military modernization in areas such as conventional weapons, satellites, nuclear-powered submarines, and next-generation missile systems. According to reporting cited by Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post, based on Russia’s TASS, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov stated during an April 26 meeting in Pyongyang with Kim Jong Un that Moscow is prepared to sign a long-term military cooperation plan covering 2027 to 2031. He described bilateral ties as having reached an “unprecedentedly high level.”
Analysts note that Russia rarely establishes medium- to long-term military cooperation frameworks with foreign countries, typically reserving such arrangements for key strategic partners such as Belarus and India. This has led to assessments that North Korea may be entering a higher tier within Russia’s strategic framework. The reported initiative follows North Korea’s involvement in the Russia–Ukraine war since 2024, with estimation that Pyongyang has deployed 15,000 troops in support of Russian operations.
Experts cited in the report indicate that Russia could assist North Korea in enhancing capabilities in nuclear submarine technology, satellite systems, drone and missile production, as well as joint artillery and ammunition manufacturing. Some analysts also suggest that deepening Russia–North Korea military ties could raise concerns in Beijing, as closer alignment between Moscow and Pyongyang may reduce China’s influence over developments on the Korean Peninsula.
Source: Aboluo, May 11, 2026
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