TechNorth Korea's Faulty Missiles Fuel Russia's War Effort, Kyiv Reports
North Korea's Faulty Missiles Fuel Russia's War Effort, Kyiv Reports
North Korea is increasingly aiding Russia beyond just providing artillery ammunition. The prosecutor's office in Kyiv has reported that, during the ongoing conflict, Russia has utilized at least 50 ballistic missiles manufactured in North Korea. Many of these, however, have failed to reach their intended targets.
Pyongyang has been supplying Moscow with artillery shells of 152 mm and 122 mm caliber for quite some time. Since the start of 2024, there have also been attacks using ballistic missiles made in North Korea. Debris analysis revealed these to be the KN-23 and KN-24 ballistic missiles.
Ballistic missiles from North Korea in Ukraine
The KN-23 ballistic missiles, measuring 24.6 feet in length and 3.1 feet in diameter, weigh 7,495 pounds, with approximately 1,102 pounds dedicated to the warheads. They are capable of striking targets up to 373 miles away. The KN-24 missiles, though slightly smaller, boast a similar range.
Despite being formidable weapons, these missiles are often unreliable in practice. Military experts and analysts have long pointed out the outdated and imprecise nature of North Korean military equipment, a fact underscored by the performance of the mentioned missiles. According to Kyiv's prosecutor's office, nearly half of these missiles exploded mid-air without reaching their destinations. In one incident this February, a KN-23 ballistic missile landed in a forest in the Kyiv region, missing its supposed target.
Nevertheless, for Russia, North Korean assistance remains vital. Opting for quantity over quality, Russia benefits from the influx of missiles, enabling more frequent attacks despite Ukrainian forces facing severe ammunition shortages.
Russian troops have aired grievances about the quality of North Korean ammunition. Inspections of 152 mm caliber artillery shells revealed inconsistencies despite identical markings. Different batches contained varying types of gunpowder, and some shells had tampered seals, indicating a lack of uniformity and potential safety concerns.
