In the framework of an interview conducted by South Korean media, the Head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (DIU), Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, stated that Russia has introduced improvements to the KN-23 ballistic missiles of the North Korean Armed Forces, which have been involved in the war in Ukraine since last year through the deployment of personnel and military equipment. According to his perspective, this development poses significant dangers not only to Ukrainian forces in Europe but also to the regional security landscape in Asia, as Pyongyang could apply these modifications to its own arsenal.
Specifically, regarding the observable improvements in the KN-23 ballistic missiles, Lieutenant General Budanov pointed out that Russia has significantly enhanced their accuracy, which had been considered the system’s main weakness. In concrete terms, the original design of these North Korean missiles had an error margin ranging between 500 and 1,500 meters, according to the DIU chief. However, Russian technicians have reportedly modified them to increase their effectiveness.
Addressing these concerns, Budanov stated: “North Korea is using this war to gain combat experience and modernize its military technology. This will have long-term consequences for the security system of the Asia-Pacific region (…) Now the missile (Ed. referring to the KN-23) has become much more precise and represents a far more serious threat.”
In this regard, it is worth recalling that North Korea has sent an estimated contingent of 12,000 troops to Ukraine to support Russia’s war efforts, along with various batches of artillery systems, ammunition, and missiles. Despite the fact that nearly a third of this force has already been seriously wounded or killed in combat, Budanov indicated that their participation grants them direct combat experience, which will allow North Korea to completely renew its military doctrine to avoid the poor performance it has demonstrated so far in Europe.
Meanwhile, as North Korean troops gain combat experience far from home, Pyongyang is working on launching large-scale production of new drones with assistance from Moscow to enhance its military capabilities. Additionally, negotiations are reportedly underway for the acquisition of new MiG-29 and Su-27 fighter jets to upgrade its Air Force, which currently relies on outdated platforms by modern standards, including MiG-17, MiG-19, and MiG-21 aircraft. Western analysts view both developments as clear indications of Russia’s intent to compensate North Korea for its support in Ukraine.
Images used for illustrative purposes
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