North Korean Missile Used in Russian Attack on Ukraine

The missile, Hwasong-11, is a copy of the Russian 9M723 ballistic missile.
  • Defensemirror.com bureau
  • 08:19 AM, August 6, 2024
  • 1201
North Korean Missile Used in Russian Attack on Ukraine
Fragment of Hwasong-11 missile used by Russia in Kyiv attack, Aug 5, 2024 @Telegram channel "Colonel GSH"

Russia launched a missile attack on Ukraine's Kyiv region on Monday night, reportedly utilizing a combination of Iskander-M and North Korean-made Hwasong-11 (KN-23) ballistic missiles.

This was reported by the official Telegram channel of the Kyiv City Military Administration.

This incident marks the second time in recent weeks that Russia has employed North Korean weaponry in its attacks on Ukraine. In an attack on July 31, the Russians had used a KN-23 ballistic missile, reports say.

The attack occurred at approximately 11:00 p.m. local time, with Russian forces launching four Iskander-M missiles and one Hwasong-11 missile from the Voronezh region of Russia towards Kyiv and its suburbs. Ukrainian air defense systems intercepted two of the missiles, preventing potential damage and casualties.

North Korean Missile Used in Russian Attack on Ukraine
Fragment of Hwasong-11 missile used by Russia in Kyiv attack, July 31, 2024 @Defense Express

A photo of a missile fragment was published on the "Colonel GSh" Telegram channel on Tuesday morning, claiming it was a piece of the Hwasong-11 missile used in the attack. The image shows a fragment with distinctive markings consistent with previously identified North Korean missiles. The missiles are reportedly made of low-quality components.

Russia's use of North Korean missiles violates UN Security Council sanctions on arms embargoes to and from North Korea. In April, the UN confirmed a similar violation after it confirmed Russia struck Kharkiv with a Hwasong-11 missile in January.

North Korean Missile Used in Russian Attack on Ukraine
Hwasong-11 SRBM @via media reports

The Hwasong-11, a copy of the Russian 9М723 ballistic missile, has noticeable technical and visual differences, including structural variations in the tail compartment, such as a distinctive hexagonal shape and a different arrangement of control surfaces. Additionally, the Hwasong-11's propulsion system and guidance technology are believed to be less advanced than those of the original 9М723 missile, with a reported range of approximately 490 miles (790 km) compared to the 9М723's range of up to 560 miles (900 km). The Hwasong-11's payload capacity is also estimated to be around 1,100 pounds (500 kg), whereas the 9М723 can carry a payload of up to 1,500 pounds (680 kg).

Also Read

North Korean Artillery System Deployed by Russian Forces in Ukraine

July 30, 2024 @ 10:43 AM

First Batch of North Korean 130mm Artillery Shells Arrive in Russia

June 28, 2024 @ 08:56 AM
FEATURES/INTERVIEWS
© 2024 DefenseMirror.com - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED