Seoul Ascertaining if North Korean Missile Tech Used in Iranian Missiles that Attacked Israel

South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) announced on Wednesday that it is actively investigating the potential involvement of North Korean military technology in the ballistic missiles used during Iran's recent attack on Israel.

Iran conducted a significant assault on Israel last Saturday, deploying over 300 drones and missiles. Given the longstanding cooperation between North Korea and Iran in ballistic missile technology, intelligence officials and analysts speculate that North Korean components or technology may have been integrated into the missiles used in the recent airstrike.

A 2019 report from the Pentagon's Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) revealed that Iran's Shahab 3 medium-range ballistic missile is a variant derived from a North Korean missile model. The DIA report describes the liquid-fueled Shahab 3 as a cornerstone of Iran's medium-range ballistic missile capabilities, noting Iran's modifications based on North Korea's Nodong model to enhance range and effectiveness.

Defense experts suggest that Iran's Khorramshahr medium-range ballistic missiles, first tested in 2017, likely have roots in North Korea's Musudan missiles, which themselves are based on Soviet designs.

The United States has expressed concerns about suspected nuclear and missile collaboration between North Korea and Iran. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated on Tuesday that the U.S. is "incredibly concerned" about this potential cooperation, while Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder emphasized that the U.S. takes threats from North Korea and Iran very seriously.

North Korea and Iran established diplomatic relations in 1973, and experts believe that clandestine missile cooperation between the two countries dates back to the 1980s. Both nations share opposition to the United States and are subject to stringent international sanctions.

In response to Iran's recent attack, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized the need to maintain a vigilant security posture and prepare for potential provocations by North Korea.

In January, the NIS confirmed suspicions that North Korean-made weapons were being used by Hamas during its conflict with Israel. Despite Pyongyang's denial of arms transactions with Hamas, the NIS presented evidence indicating the use of North Korean weaponry by the militant group.