Russia Enhances Accuracy of North Korea’s KN-23 Missiles
Russia has successfully improved the accuracy of North Korean KN-23 missiles, significantly increasing their threat level, according to Ukraine’s intelligence chief, Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov.
In an interview with South Korea’s The Chosun, Budanov revealed that the KN-23 missiles initially had an extreme margin of error—up to 1,500 meters (4,921 feet)—making them ineffective in battlefield conditions. However, Russian engineers have reportedly made substantial modifications to the missile system, drastically enhancing its precision. The new level of accuracy, he warned, makes the weapon a direct danger not only to Ukraine but also to South Korea and Japan.
KN-23: From a Blunt Weapon to a Precision Threat
The KN-23, a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) developed by North Korea, is known for its resemblance to Russia’s Iskander missile. It was designed to evade missile defense systems with its ability to maneuver mid-flight and follow an irregular trajectory. Initially, its combat effectiveness was questionable due to poor targeting capabilities.
However, Russian military experts have reportedly upgraded the system, possibly by integrating advanced guidance technology and refining its propulsion system. The extent of these modifications remains unclear, but Budanov noted that the enhanced version now poses a major risk.
Beyond Ukraine, the strategic implications extend across Asia. With improved missile technology, North Korea could increase pressure on South Korea and Japan, both key U.S. allies in the region. The advancement also signals growing military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, further complicating global security dynamics.
Russia-North Korea Alliance at Its Peak
The increasing defense ties between Russia and North Korea are linked to a mutual defense pact signed in mid-2024. Under this agreement, both countries have committed to providing military assistance in the event of an attack. Reports indicate that North Korea has already dispatched over 11,000 troops to support Russian forces on the Ukrainian frontlines. Additionally, Pyongyang has supplied large quantities of weapons, including artillery shells and missile systems, to aid Moscow’s war effort.
Budanov described the cooperation between the two nations as reaching its “highest level” in history. He emphasized that North Korea is using the war in Ukraine as a live testing ground for its military hardware, gaining valuable combat experience that could reshape its armed forces in the future.
North Korea’s Military Evolution
Beyond supplying weapons, North Korea is reportedly integrating battlefield lessons into its own military strategy. Budanov noted that the war experience is not just improving conventional tactics but also boosting the effectiveness of advanced weaponry, such as drones and electronic warfare systems.
“Their combat effectiveness has improved dramatically—not only with conventional weapons like tanks but also with advanced systems such as drones,” Budanov stated. “The future North Korean army will be completely different from the previous one.”
This transformation could have significant consequences for regional security. A more capable North Korean military, equipped with battle-hardened troops and refined missile technology, could alter the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.
Global Implications and Concerns
The upgraded KN-23 missile is just one example of the broader impact of the Russia-North Korea partnership. With ongoing arms transfers and military collaboration, Pyongyang is emerging as a more formidable player in global conflicts. This raises concerns not only for Ukraine but also for nations in East Asia and beyond.
As tensions escalate, the U.S., South Korea, and Japan are likely to intensify their military cooperation to counter potential threats. Meanwhile, the international community faces the challenge of curbing the deepening alliance between two heavily sanctioned states—Russia and North Korea—before their military advancements reach an irreversible stage.
