INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Work on North Korea's newly unveiled warship may have involved assistance from Russia, South Korea's military said on Thursday.On Saturday,
nuclear missiles.Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson Lee Sung-jun told reporters in South Korea that Russia may have offered help with
constructing the warship."Looking at the weapons and equipment that were revealed, we believe that there is a possibility that they received
technology, funds or assistance from Russia," Lee told reporters on Thursday
"We are conducting a more detailed analysis."North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the first day of a two-day weapons test of the vessel
this week, according to Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency, during which he ordered officials to work on "accelerating the
into operation early next year."During the test, Kim said the North's ship-based firepower system was "effectively combined" with the "most
powerful strike means, including supersonic cruise missiles, strategic cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles."South Korean JCS
spokesman Lee said the ship's deployment is likely to require more time."In the case of warships, it takes several years to build and even
after completion, it takes additional time for them to become operational," he said."So, although the Choe Hyon has been unveiled, it seems
likely that considerably more time will be needed for its [operational] deployment," Lee added.Earlier this week, North Korea confirmed for
the first time that it had deployed troops to Russia, with state news agency KCNA reporting that Pyongyang's soldiers participated in combat
operations to retake territory in the Kursk region.That confirmation followed months of reports from South Korean and Western intelligence
announced the construction of their first automobile bridge, touting the project as a symbol of deepening ties between the two countries.
