Background
North Korea is the most embargoed and heavily sanctioned country in the world, with many countries and international organisations taking measures to restrict its access to conventional arms shipments. It is a one-party state that inherited the vast amounts of weapons and military hardware from the Soviet Union, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. North Korea also has one of the largest stockpiles of ballistic missiles in the world, and an estimated 1.2 million active personnel in its military. In recent years, North Korea has sought to acquire weapons from a variety of countries, many of which are considered to be hostile to the United States.
China
China has been the primary supplier of arms to North Korea for decades, providing the majority of North Korea’s conventional weapons. China has continued to provide military support to North Korea in spite of the international sanctions, including ships, aircraft and other military hardware. In addition, China is also believed to have supplied North Korea with ballistic missiles and ground-attack helicopters. China has been among the most stalwart supporters of North Korea, as it regards North Korea as a buffer to US influence and presence in the region.
Russia
Russia has been a key supplier of arms to North Korea in recent years, and is believed to have supplied ballistic missiles and other weapons. Russia has also been an enthusiastic supporter of North Korea, with some Russian lawmakers expressing optimism that sanctions imposed by the UN and other countries would not significantly affect the North Korean economy. Russia has also provided North Korea with fuel and other materials that are used in its ballistic missile program.
Iran
Iran is also believed to have supplied North Korea with conventional arms in the past decades. It is believed that Iran has provided North Korea with short-range ballistic missiles that were used for its nuclear weapons program, as well as small arms and ammunition. In 2016, it was reported that Iran had shipped ballistic missiles to North Korea in violation of UN sanctions.
Syria
Syria has also been a key supplier of arms to North Korea, with Syria providing North Korea with small arms, ammunition, tank and aircraft components. Syria has also been reported to have supplied North Korea with Scud missiles, which are capable of carrying nuclear or chemical weapons, and are believed to be capable of reaching Japan.
Emerging Markets
In recent years, North Korea has been seeking to acquire weapons from other countries in the emerging markets. These countries include India, Belarus, and Croatia. India has been reported to have supplied North Korea with arms in the past, though there have been no reports in recent years. Belarus has been reported to have supplied North Korea with small arms and ammunition, as well as tanks and other military hardware. Croatia has also been reported to have supplied North Korea with various military hardware, including aircraft parts and components.
Economic Considerations
North Korea relies heavily on its exports of arms and military hardware to generate revenue, as it is subject to several international sanctions that limit its trade and commercial activities. North Korea is believed to have sold arms to a variety of countries, including Syria, Sudan, and Libya. North Korea is also believed to have used its arms exports to finance its nuclear weapons program.
Political Considerations
North Korea has been able to acquire weapons from a variety of countries, despite international condemnation and sanctions, due to the geopolitical dynamics of the region. North Korea has been able to acquire arms from its primary supplier, China, despite its active support for international sanctions. Additionally, North Korea has been able to acquire arms from other countries due to its ties with Russia and Iran. The support of these countries has enabled North Korea to acquire weapons and military hardware that could not be acquired from traditional suppliers.
Opposition Groups
North Korea has also been accused of providing arms to rebel groups and insurgencies. North Korea is believed to have provided weapons to the Taliban in Afghanistan, as well as the Houthi rebels in Yemen. North Korea is also believed to have supplied arms to the Palestinian group Hamas, which is opposed to the policies of the Israeli government. North Korea is accused of using these weapons shipments to gain leverage in the Middle East and other regions.
Conclusion
North Korea is a highly militarized society, and has been able to acquire weapons from a variety of countries in spite of international sanctions. China has traditionally been the primary supplier of weapons, but North Korea has also been able to acquire weapons from other countries, including Russia, Iran, and Syria. North Korea has also been accused of supplying arms to a variety of opposition groups, in an attempt to increase its influence in the region. With the increasing economic and political tensions in the region, it is likely that North Korea will continue to attempt to acquire weapons from a variety of sources.
