Russia Uses North Korean KN-23 Ballistic Missiles Against Ukraine
Russia is using North Korean-made Hwasong-11A ballistic missiles, widely known as the KN-23, alongside its own missile systems in attacks against Ukraine.
The KN-23 is a road-mobile short-range ballistic missile developed by North Korea. Its design closely resembles Russia’s Iskander-M system and it can maneuver during parts of its flight, making ballistic interception more difficult.
North Korea began supplying ballistic missiles to Russia during the war, with Ukrainian intelligence reporting that Moscow received dozens of KN-23 and KN-24 missiles. A North Korean missile unit has also been reported deploying to western Russia with launchers and personnel.
For Russia, the missiles provide an additional supply of ballistic weapons that can be used against targets across Ukraine while reducing pressure on its own missile stockpiles.
The weapons have already been used repeatedly in the war since late 2023, although their reported use declined for periods before returning to the battlefield in 2026.
The growing use of North Korean missiles reflects the increasingly close military relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang, with Russia receiving weapons and personnel while North Korea is believed to be gaining battlefield experience and potentially technological benefits from cooperation with Russia.