North Korean Ballistic Missiles Used by Russia Contain Significant Share of Western Components

Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR) has identified a substantial presence of Western-made components in North Korean ballistic missiles, specifically the KN-23 and KN-24 models.

These missiles have been supplied to Russia and deployed in its military campaign against Ukraine, according to a statement released by HUR.

HUR analysts report that Russia has received over 100 KN-23 ballistic missiles from North Korea. These missiles have been employed in strikes on Ukrainian territory since late 2023.

Ukrainian specialists have managed to recover and examine components from these missiles, revealing that approximately 75% of the documented parts originated from companies based in the United States, 16% from European firms, and 9% from companies in Asia.

Among the components identified are automotive-grade bearings manufactured by Japanese companies, including SNR, NTN, and NSK, which were repurposed for missile control systems. These parts, not designed for high-pressure or thermal environments, indicate the reliance on non-military-grade materials in the production of these weapons.

HUR also documented components in KN-24 missiles, revealing parts manufactured by companies in the United States, Japan, China, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.

Notably, one voltage converter from UK-based XP Power was dated February 2023, well after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Other elements include a current sensor from Swiss company LEM International SA and tantalum capacitors from Semtech Corporation in the United States.

Earlier, a detailed analysis by the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (NAKO) revealed that Western-made components, including microelectronics from the US, UK, and EU, play a critical role in Russian, Iranian, and North Korean weapons systems used against Ukraine.