Executive Summary 

The recent appearance in North Korea of Austrian-made Steyr SSG 08 sniper rifles with export-controlled German optics, personally showcased by Kim Jong Un, reveals a significant breach in international arms embargoes. This development further highlights North Korea’s persistent ability to acquire advanced military technology. We assess that this development was likely facilitated by Russia, which, if true, suggests deepening military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang as well as the existence of sophisticated sanction circumvention methods. The proliferation of such precision weapons to states under heavy sanctions poses a considerable challenge to global non-proliferation efforts. We therefore assess the problem will likely persist until more effective control mechanisms are put in place internationally.