Russia Deploys North Korean Missiles in Ukraine Attacks

Russia has taken an unexpected turn in its military strategy by deploying North Korean-made KN-23 ballistic missiles in its operations against Ukraine. First observed in late 2023 and continuing into 2024, these missiles have been used to target critical infrastructure across Ukraine.

The KN-23, a tactical ballistic missile developed by North Korea, has drawn comparisons to Russia’s Iskander-M system but comes with notable advantages. It features an extended range and the ability to carry a larger payload, offering Moscow new flexibility in its long-range strike capabilities.

This development raises significant questions about the deepening ties between Russia and North Korea, as well as the strategic impact of this technology on the ongoing conflict. What motivated Moscow to turn to Pyongyang for military support, and how will this influence the dynamics on the battlefield?

Records of KN-23 deployment in Russo-Ukraine conflict!

Reports have highlighted the significant deployment of North Korean ballistic missiles, including the KN-23, by Russian forces during the 2024 phase of the conflict. Ukrainian military sources confirm that at least 60 such missiles were launched throughout the year, comprising nearly one-third of all ballistic missile strikes recorded by Ukraine during this period.

The use of North Korean missiles was further corroborated by White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby on January 4, 2024, who stated that North Korea had recently provided Russia with ballistic missile launchers and missiles.

Strikes involving the KN-23 were notably confirmed on December 30, 2023, and January 2, 2024. On December 30, a North Korean missile launched by Russian forces landed in an open field in the Zaporizhzhia region. Just days later, multiple North Korean ballistic missiles were deployed as part of an overnight aerial attack on Ukraine, emphasizing their integration into Russia’s missile campaigns.

A specific incident on July 31, 2024, underscores the operational risks associated with these systems: a KN-23 missile targeting Bila Tserkva in Kyiv Oblast malfunctioned and crashed within the same region, avoiding its intended target but still posing significant danger to civilians and infrastructure.

What capabilities does the KN-23 offer?

The deployment of the KN-23 highlights its significance in Russia’s arsenal. What makes this missile so effective, and how does it enhance Moscow’s tactical capabilities?

The KN-23 missile stands out as a powerful addition to modern warfare, combining range, payload, and mobility in a single system. The standard version of the missile boasts an impressive range of approximately 700 kilometers, while the upgraded KN-23B variant extends that reach to 900 kilometers.

This extended range allows the KN-23B to strike targets much deeper behind enemy lines, covering an area approximately 324% larger than the Iskander-M missile, which has a range of about 500 to 700 kilometers, depending on its configuration.

What truly sets the KN-23B apart, however, is its payload capacity. With the ability to carry a warhead weighing around 2,500 kilograms—more than triple the Iskander-M’s maximum of 700 kilograms—it delivers a significantly higher destructive potential against strategic targets.

Adding to its effectiveness is the missile’s deployment via a ten-wheel launch vehicle, which enhances its mobility and operational flexibility. This mobility allows for rapid relocation, ensuring the missile remains elusive and ready for follow-up strikes, a critical feature in the fast-paced dynamics of modern conflict.

In terms of trajectory, both the Iskander-M and KN-23B missiles use semi-ballistic depressed trajectories, a feature that helps them avoid detection by missile defense systems. This type of trajectory allows the missile to fly at a lower altitude for a longer duration, making it harder for enemy radar to track and intercept it.

However, the KN-23B has a few advantages over the Iskander-M in terms of maneuverability and evasion capabilities. The KN-23B’s design includes a larger fuel capacity, which provides it with more flexibility in flight. This enables the missile to make sharper course changes and maneuver more effectively mid-flight.

Additionally, the KN-23B is equipped with advanced guidance systems that allow for better precision and potentially lower detection rates during flight. These improvements enhance its ability to evade interception, giving it an edge over the Iskander-M in terms of survivability against advanced missile defense systems.

In contrast, while the Iskander-M is still highly effective, its design and guidance system may not offer the same level of flexibility or evasion capabilities as the KN-23B, especially when facing advanced interception technology.

Implications and concerns for its deployment

The collaboration between North Korea and Russia in missile technology has significant strategic implications. Analysts suggest that North Korea could receive advanced military hardware from Russia, including fighter jets and surface-to-air missile systems, in exchange for supplying missile technology.

This partnership enhances Russia’s military capabilities, particularly in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The KN-23 missile, with its extended range and precision, improves Russia’s ability to respond rapidly to battlefield developments.

Moreover, the technological aspects of the KN-23 raise concerns. Some components of the missile have been traced back to Western technologies, raising alarms about the proliferation of Western-made parts in weapon systems used by adversarial states like North Korea and Russia. The integration of these components could bolster the military capabilities of these nations, posing a challenge to global security.