North Korea’s New Hwasong-20 ICBM May Have Russian Tech Support, Warns South Korean Official

North Korea is believed to have obtained technological support from Russia in developing its new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-20, which was recently presented at a military parade in Pyongyang.

This was reported by Yonhap on October 14, citing South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

The missile, described by Pyongyang as “the most powerful nuclear strategic weapon system,” was unveiled during events marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea. In addition, Pyongyang claims that the system is capable of striking targets anywhere in the continental United States, with an estimated range of up to 15,000 kilometers.

According to Yonhap, the transporter erector launcher used for the Hwasong-20 appears different from the earlier Hwasong-19, first tested in October last year, prompting speculation that Russia may have played a role in its development amid growing defense cooperation between the two countries.

“I believe there is sufficient possibility,” JCS Chairman Gen. Jin Yong-sung said during a parliamentary audit session when asked about potential Russian involvement in the missile’s design.

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Alongside the new ICBM, North Korea also revealed other weapon systems, including a hypersonic missile and vehicles capable of launching multiple attack drones.

When asked about South Korea’s capacity to intercept the new hypersonic missile, Jin stated that “the accuracy of interception may slightly falter but they can be intercepted.” He said the South Korean military continues to monitor the North’s weapons advancements and verify their technological development to maintain readiness.

Jin also noted that the military intends to improve surveillance by using commercial satellites. “I believe it is important to take in information in a short time and in a repeated manner, using not only military reconnaissance satellites but civilian satellites,” he said.

Earlier, North Korea showcased a new multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) that closely resembles the US-made M142 HIMARS.

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