In addition to artillery shells, North Korea could have transferred short-range ballistic missiles and missiles for portable air defense systems to Russia. This assessment was made by the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea, Yonhap reports.

"Since mid-2022, there have been signs of North Korea supplying weapons to Russia, and arms trade by sea increased in August shortly before Kim Jong-un's visit to Russia," a senior official said.

The DPRK could have transferred ammunition for T-series tanks, anti-tank guided missiles, rocket launchers, rifles and machine guns, and possibly short-range ballistic missiles.

North Korean vessels were spotted sailing to Russia once a week between August and September. Three to four ships were spotted every three to four days starting in October.

Russia may consider providing North Korea with technological support for military satellites, nuclear weapons, as well as fighter jets and air defense systems.

"It is expected that North Korea will first receive food and fuel to ensure the stability of the regime and prepare for the upcoming winter. The two countries are expected to further discuss the transfer of military technology, support for the modernization of the armed forces and joint military exercises in the future," the official said.