What are the North Korean missiles used by Russia made of?
Ukrainian experts have analyzed the North Korean ballistic missiles that Russia is using in the war against Ukraine. It turns out that these systems are assembled using outdated technology and civilian electronic components. This was reported by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
Specialists from the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine conducted an investigation of the debris from North Korean ballistic missiles that Russia is using to strike Ukrainian territory. The analysis showed that these weapons are not direct copies of Russian systems, such as the Iskander, but have their own simplified design.
This applies, in particular, to the KN-23 missile, fragments of which were found after a strike on Kharkiv earlier this year. Engineers determined that its design has unique parameters not found in similar systems from other countries. For example, the diameter of the rear section is approximately 110 centimeters, which is atypical for this class of weapons.
It has also been established that the engines of these missiles are approximately one and a half times longer than their Russian counterparts. This is due to the use of less efficient fuel, which requires a larger volume to achieve the necessary flight range.
Experts paid particular attention to the electronics. Civilian microchips manufactured by well-known global companies were found in the control units; these chips are smuggled into the DPRK in circumvention of sanctions. “The quality of the soldering on these missiles is roughly 50 years old,” note experts from the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. Instead of modern thermal protection materials, North Korean engineers use simpler and cheaper solutions, such as graphite elements for the fairings.
The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that despite their technological backwardness, such missiles remain a serious threat. They are difficult for air defense systems to intercept and are capable of causing significant damage to civilian infrastructure.
Additionally, components from the U.S. that were manufactured just a few months ago have been found in Russian “Shahed”-type strike drones. The Ukrainian side claims that the route these parts took to Russia was too short and almost imperceptible.
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