This summer, Russia received new deliveries of Hwasong-11 short-range ballistic missiles from North Korea and used them to strike Kyiv. The New York Times reported this, citing data from British researchers.
The journalists said that on September 3, British researchers in Kyiv examined the wreckage of four Hwasong-11 missiles after another Russian attack; in particular, they deciphered the production markings on several parts of each missile.
The researchers found that the Hwasong-11 used in the attack on Kyiv on August 18 had markings indicating that it was manufactured this year.
They claimed that the interiors of the other three bombs used in July and August lacked any markings indicating their manufacture date.
Hwasong-11 can carry either nuclear or conventional warheads and has a range of about 700 km.
The Hwasong-11D’s defining feature is its compact dimensions: one launcher can fit up to four missiles inside the launch canisters, Army Recognition notes as it analyzes the video released recently by KCNA, the official North Korean media agency.
The larger version of this weapon, the KN-23, made headlines in January–February 2024 when Russian forces used them for missile attacks on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure, Defense Express reported.
The authors at Army Recognition emphasize that the Hwasong-11D’s relatively low flight trajectory and increased accuracy make it difficult to intercept and may require fewer missiles to effectively neutralize a target.
The White House previously stated that Russia’s military cooperation with the DPRK is dangerous not only for Ukraine but also for the countries of the Pacific region.
And the US State Department said it was ready to take measures together with its allies in the event that Iran hands over its ballistic missiles to Russia.
According to Reuters, European intelligence believes that Iran may soon supply Russia with “hundreds” of short-range ballistic missiles, with the Russian military already mastering their use.
