After a prolonged pause, Russian forces have resumed using North Korean KN-23 ballistic missiles in their attacks on Ukraine, underscoring ongoing concerns about the reliability of these weapons.
A significant Impact
According to Tech Ukrainian defense sources reported that at least one KN-23 missile was used in a major assault on July 31, 2024.
The KN-23, also known as Hwasong-11Ga, is a solid-fueled ballistic missile with a range of up to 650 kilometers.
Ukrainian analysts note that these missiles are similar to Russia's Iskander missiles but are somewhat lighter, weighing approximately 3,400 kilograms. Despite their reduced weight, the KN-23s deliver significant impact with conventional warheads and potentially even nuclear ones.
The latest attack aimed at a target in Bila Tserkva but reportedly malfunctioned, crashing in the Kyiv region, possibly due to an in-flight explosion. This incident provided Ukrainian forces another opportunity to examine the wreckage of the North Korean missile.
Not the First Time
This is not the first time KN-23 missiles have been found in Ukraine.
Fragments with identifiable markings have been discovered in several regions, including Kyiv, Donetsk, Kirovograd, Poltava, and Kharkiv. Analysts estimate that as many as half of these missiles fail to reach their intended targets, either deviating from their programmed flight path or exploding prematurely.
North Korean weaponry has been criticized for its quality, with reports indicating that even Russian forces have complained about the performance of North Korean artillery shells and other armaments.
