Pyongyang has apparently been stealing Russian technology for several years even as it seeks a legitimate large-scale arms deal with Moscow.

North Korea stole technology for mini satellite components by hacking the computer system of Russian satellite component maker Sputnix early last year.

The North also hacked Uralvagonzavod, Russia's largest tank maker, and Almaz-Antey, the Russian developer of the S-300 surface-to-air interceptor missile, the equivalent of the U.S.' Patriot missile.

According to a report by cybersecurity firm Genians Security Center, North Korean hackers installed a backdoor and stole data from Sputnix from January to March last year. They seem to have stolen technology including blueprints of super-mini satellite components.

That may have allowed the North to make progress in its two launches of space rockets carrying spy satellites in recent months.

This combined photo compares the tanks and missiles of Russia and North Korea.

It also infiltrated the computer system of surface-to-air missile developer Almaz-Antey from May to August 2020. North Korean hackers stole information about missile components and the personal information of missile developers.

In mid-2019, North Korean hackers stole blueprints from Uralvagonzavod, the developer and maker of the 3.5-generation T-14 Armata tank. They also repeatedly hacked internal systems of other Russian makers of high-tech armaments such as hypersonic weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Bang Jong-kwan of the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy said, "To North Korea, Russia is the largest arms customer and an ally but also a target of technology theft."