How Kim’s meeting with Putin at Russian spaceport may hint at his space and weapons ambitions

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The recent meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Siberia has raised several questions about their intentions and ambitions. This summit, the first in four years, holds significant geopolitical implications, particularly in the context of their confrontations with Western nations.

The choice of the Vostochny Cosmodrome as the meeting location sends a signal about Kim’s strategic goals. It suggests that Kim is keen on advancing North Korea’s nuclear capabilities, which could pose a threat to the United States and its Asian allies. In exchange for cooperation, Kim may be offering North Korea’s substantial munitions stockpiles, which could be of interest to Putin in the context of his ongoing war in Ukraine. Additionally, Kim may seek economic aid and advanced weapons technologies to bolster his military nuclear program.

One area of potential collaboration could be in military reconnaissance satellites, a crucial asset for Kim’s missile program. Kim has struggled to acquire this technology, and a transfer from Russia could be on the table. The composition of the North Korean delegation, including Pak Thae Song, chairman of the country’s space science and technology committee, indicates Kim’s interest in securing Russian assistance for the development of spy satellites. These satellites are part of Kim’s broader plan to enhance North Korea’s space-based reconnaissance capabilities, which could further amplify the threat posed by his missile arsenal.

Kim’s ambitions extend to intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), which share core technologies with space-launch rockets. North Korea’s recent ICBM tests, including the solid-propellant Hwasong-18, demonstrate a potential range to reach the U.S. mainland. However, there are questions about the survivability of warheads during atmospheric re-entry, an area where North Korea might seek Russian expertise.

Submarines are another area of interest. Kim could be exploring Russian assistance in developing ballistic-missile submarines and nuclear propulsion submarines, as evidenced by his travel with Admiral Kim Myong Sik. North Korea recently unveiled a purported nuclear attack submarine, but doubts persist about its operational utility. Developing a fleet of such submarines would require substantial resources and technological advancements.

The willingness of Russia to share sensitive military technologies with North Korea remains uncertain, as Russia traditionally guards its advanced weaponry closely. South Korean analysts suggest that cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang might focus more on conventional capabilities, such as improving North Korea’s outdated air force or providing anti-aircraft missiles.

In conclusion, Kim Jong Un’s meeting with Putin at the Russian spaceport underscores the complexities and potential implications of their collaboration. While specific details of their discussions remain confidential, the meeting’s location and the areas of mutual interest suggest a convergence of strategic goals, particularly in bolstering North Korea’s military capabilities.

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