Depending of North Korean alliance South Korea Might Provide Military Equipment to Ukraine.

South Korea announced on Thursday that it would consider sending weapons to Ukraine, a major policy shift suggested after Russia and North Korea rattled the region and beyond by signing a pact to mutually defend each other in case of war. The comments from a senior presidential official came hours after North Korean state media released details of the agreement, which observers say could mark the strongest link between Moscow and Pyongyang since the end of the Cold War. This comes at a time when Russia is facing increasing isolation due to the war in Ukraine and both countries are experiencing escalating confrontations with the West.
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K239 Chunmoo presented by hanwha defense at Eurosatory 2024(Picture source: Army recognition)

According to the agreement text released by the North Korean official news agency KCNA, if either country is invaded and pushed into a state of war, the other must deploy "all means at its disposal without delay" to provide "military and other assistance." However, the agreement also stipulates that such actions must comply with the laws of both countries and Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which recognizes the right of self-defense of a UN member state.

The office of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a statement condemning the agreement, calling it a threat to his country's security and a violation of UN Security Council resolutions, and warned that it would have negative consequences for Seoul's relations with Moscow. At the United Nations in New York, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul described Russia's actions in violation of multiple UN sanctions resolutions against North Korea, which Moscow had voted for, as deplorable.

Yoon's national security adviser, Chang Ho-jin, stated that Seoul would reconsider the issue of supplying weapons to Ukraine to help the country fight against Russia's large-scale invasion.

South Korea, a growing arms exporter with a well-equipped military backed by the United States, has provided humanitarian aid and other types of support to Ukraine, while joining US-led economic sanctions against Moscow. However, it has not directly supplied weapons to Kyiv, citing a long-standing policy of not providing arms to countries actively engaged in a conflict.

Professor Park Won-gon from Ewha Womans University stated that the lethal weapons South Korea could provide to Ukraine include its multiple rocket launch systems Chunmoo, K9 howitzers, and K2 tanks. The Chunmoo, also known as K239, is a multiple rocket launcher that functions like the HIMARS, carrying pods that include various caliber munitions from 131, 239 to 240 mm, varying the range between 36 and 290 km. The K9 Thunder, developed by Hanwha Defense in South Korea, is a 155 mm self-propelled artillery system with a rapid-fire capability. It can fire three shots in 15 seconds in burst mode and up to 6 to 8 shots per minute in sustained mode, with a maximum range of 40 kilometers using standard shells and up to 60 kilometers with rocket-assisted shells. Robust and adaptable, the K9 is designed to operate effectively in various environments, including extreme weather conditions. It is also equipped with advanced navigation and targeting systems for increased accuracy and is currently used by Turkey, Poland, India, Norway, and Finland.

The K2 Black Panther is an advanced main battle tank (MBT) developed by South Korea. Manufactured by Hyundai Rotem, the K2 is considered one of the most advanced tanks in the world, combining mobility, firepower, and the latest generation protection. The K2 is equipped with a 120 mm smoothbore gun capable of firing NATO standard munitions as well as anti-tank guided missiles. It also has an advanced fire control system that allows for precise targeting, even while moving, thanks to sophisticated stabilization and high-tech sighting systems.

For mobility, the K2 uses a 1,500 horsepower diesel engine that allows it to reach speeds of up to 70 km/h on roads and 50 km/h on rough terrain. It also incorporates active suspension technologies that can vary the tank's height according to tactical needs. In terms of defense, it is protected by advanced composite armor and an active protection system (APS) that can detect and intercept incoming threats such as anti-tank missiles. It is currently used by Poland and has served as the official development base for the Turkish Altay tank.

This aid could potentially be a game changer for Ukraine, not only in terms of combat on the front lines but also for strikes in depth Russian territories.