North Korean ballistic missiles launched at Ukraine by Russian forces since the end of December have proven to be much more accurate than the salvos fired last year, reported two senior Ukrainian sources to Reuters. The increase in accuracy — to 50-100 meters from the intended target — indicates that North Korea is successfully using the battlefield to test its missile technologies, the sources said, based on the analysis of debris from more than 20 North Korean ballistic missiles that have fallen on Ukraine in recent weeks.
At the beginning of the war, the accuracy of the missiles was 1-3 kilometers, and the accuracy of the latest missiles is from 50 to 100 meters, a military source in Kyiv told the agency.
Yang Wook, a weapons expert from the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul, said that such an improvement in North Korea's missile capabilities threatens the security of South Korea, Japan, and the United States. "As they make missiles and receive feedback from their customers — the Russian army — they have the experience to create more reliable missiles," the expert believes. The weapons could also fall into the hands of "failed" states or armed groups.
According to the military source, the examination conducted on the debris did not reveal changes in the missile design, although there is very little debris left for analysis. Experts believe the missiles were equipped with more advanced navigation systems or steering mechanisms to facilitate maneuvering. Other factors that could increase accuracy include more precise information for crews and new guidance system components provided by Russia.
Russia began shelling Ukraine with North Korean short-range ballistic missiles K-23, K-23A, and K-24 at the end of 2023 and has since launched about 100 missiles, writes Reuters. Although North Korean ballistic missiles account for only a small part of Russian missile strikes, they carry a larger warhead weighing up to one ton and have a range of up to 800 km. The similar Russian missile "Iskander-M" carries a smaller payload and has a shorter range — 500 km.
Kyiv claims that Russia also received millions of artillery shells and thousands of military personnel from Pyongyang to assist in military operations.
Photo: KCNA