World
North Korea’s Missile Supply to Russia: A Growing Threat
Explore the implications of North Korea’s missile supply to Russia, examining how this growing alliance poses a significant threat to global security and stability in the region. Understand the geopolitical dynamics at play.
North Korea’s Ongoing Missile Support to Russia
North Korea has been persistently supplying advanced short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, blatantly disregarding international sanctions designed to curb Pyongyang’s weapon development and Moscow’s acquisition of such armaments. This alarming trend has been highlighted in a recent report by Conflict Armament Research, a reputable weapons research organization based in the United Kingdom.
On September 3, investigators from Conflict Armament Research examined remnants of four Hwasong-11 missiles in Kyiv. These missiles were recovered following various attacks and showcased significant markings that provided insights into their production. The investigators meticulously decoded the production markings on various components of each missile, which had been collected by Ukrainian authorities.
Among the findings, one Hwasong-11 missile, which was deployed in an attack on Kyiv on August 18, displayed markings indicating it was manufactured this year. In contrast, internal components from three other missiles used in assaults during July and August were devoid of any markings that would signify their production dates.
The researchers published their findings in a comprehensive report released on Wednesday. Earlier in January, the White House had accused North Korea of supplying ballistic missiles to Russia, but details surrounding subsequent shipments had not been disclosed until now.
- The Hwasong-11 missile boasts a range of approximately 430 miles.
- It has the capability to be equipped with either nuclear or conventional warheads.
- Visually, it bears a striking resemblance to the Russian Iskander short-range ballistic missile.
- Experts from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a prominent Washington think tank, suggest that the missile may have been developed with foreign assistance.
This troubling development underscores the growing military collaboration between North Korea and Russia, raising concerns among global security analysts and prompting calls for stronger enforcement of existing sanctions.