Ukraine Analysis: North Korean Missiles Use Outdated Tech and Commercial Parts

The Evolution of North Korean Ballistic Tech: From Outdated Methods to Combat Experience

Recent forensic analyses of missile wreckage in Ukraine have revealed a striking paradox in North Korea’s military capabilities. While the hardware currently being deployed—specifically the KN-23 (Hwasong-11A) and KN-24 (Hwasong-11B)—shows signs of extreme antiquity, the strategic trajectory is shifting toward rapid modernization.

Analysis by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense indicates that some manufacturing processes, particularly soldering, remain at levels seen 50 years ago. These missiles are characterized by poor fuel efficiency compared to Russian counterparts, requiring engines approximately 50% larger to achieve the same range.

Though, the real concern for global security isn’t the outdated soldering—it’s the “combat laboratory” effect. By deploying these weapons in a high-intensity conflict, North Korea is gaining invaluable real-world data to refine its designs.

The Sanction-Bypassing Supply Chain: The Role of Commercial Electronics

One of the most critical trends is the sophisticated employ of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components. To circumvent international sanctions, North Korea has integrated civilian electronic parts and semiconductor chips into the control systems of the KN-23 and KN-24.

Forensic investigations have identified components from five different countries:

• Japan: Including capacitors from major manufacturers.
• United States
• United Kingdom: Some parts were manufactured as recently as February 2023.
• China
• Switzerland

This reliance on civilian hardware suggests a flexible procurement strategy that makes traditional export controls difficult to enforce. As these missiles evolve, the integration of more advanced commercial chips could lead to improved guidance and reliability.

The Russia-North Korea Technical Exchange

The partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang has evolved beyond a simple supplier-customer relationship into a deep technical exchange. While the KN-23 was initially seen as a modification of early Russian Iskander-M models, recent reports suggest a new phase of cooperation.

According to intelligence from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, Russia is providing technical assistance to “dramatically improve” the capabilities of the KN-23. In exchange, Russia has reportedly agreed to assist North Korea establish production lines for Garpiya and Geran suicide drones within North Korean territory.

This “tech swap” creates a dangerous feedback loop:

1. North Korea provides bulk ballistic missiles and manpower.
2. Russia provides high-end technical expertise and drone technology.
3. North Korea upgrades its missile accuracy and expands its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) fleet.

Strategic Implications for East Asian Security

The modernization of North Korean weaponry doesn’t just affect the current conflict in Ukraine; it threatens to shift the military balance in East Asia. The KN-24, for instance, shares several characteristics with the American-made MGM-140 ATACMS, signaling an ambition to match Western precision capabilities.

Early deployments showed significant flaws—with reports that at least half of some KN-23 batches exploded in mid-air before reaching their targets. However, the ability to iterate designs based on actual combat failures is a luxury North Korea has never had until now.

As the KN-23 and KN-24 are refined, the window for relying on their “unreliability” is closing. The combination of Russian technical aid and a globalized supply of commercial electronics is accelerating the timeline for a more lethal and precise North Korean arsenal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the KN-23 and KN-24 missiles?
The KN-23 (Hwasong-11A) and KN-24 (Hwasong-11B) are North Korean short-range ballistic missiles. The KN-23 is often compared to the Russian Iskander-M, while the KN-24 shares similarities with the US ATACMS.

Why is the use of commercial parts significant?
It demonstrates North Korea’s ability to bypass international sanctions by using civilian-grade semiconductors and capacitors from countries like Japan, the US, and the UK.

How is Russia helping North Korea?
Russia is providing technical support to improve the performance of the KN-23 and assisting in the domestic production of Garpiya and Geran suicide drones.