Ukraine is seeing more assaults with North Korean missiles using Western components

Ukraine is experiencing a significant increase in Russian ballistic missile strikes, with approximately one-third of these attacks utilizing North Korean missiles that rely on Western circuitry for operation, which has been acquired despite existing sanctions, as reported by Ukrainian military officials.

This year, Russia has launched around 60 KN-23 missiles from North Korea against Ukraine, according to a Ukrainian defense representative. This figure represents nearly one-third of the total 194 ballistic missiles fired in 2024, based on a analysis of attacks acknowledged by Ukraine’s air force.

There was a notable rise in missile attacks during August and September, coinciding with Ukraine’s initial public disclosure regarding the use of the KN-23 missiles.

Yuriy Ignat, the acting head of communications for the Ukrainian Air Force, stated, “Since spring, we have observed an increased reliance on ballistic missiles and attack drones by Russia to target Ukraine, with a reduced use of cruise missiles.”

These less advanced missiles are indicative of North Korea’s increasing support for Moscow, which also includes the deployment of approximately 11,000 North Korean troops to Russia’s Kursk region.

As the role of North Korean missiles becomes more apparent, Ukrainian officials have provided the media with rare access to fragments from the missile wreckage, revealing the significant presence of US- and European-made or designed circuitry within their guidance systems.

Key elements utilized in North Korean missiles are sourced from nine Western manufacturers, including firms located in the United States, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, as reported by Ukraine’s Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (NAKO), a civil society organization. Some components of the KN-23/24 missiles examined were manufactured as recently as 2023, indicating a rapid supply chain to North Korea.

U.S. media was granted access to a warehouse where Ukrainian government investigators meticulously analyze debris, seeking minute details that may reveal insights into the production of these lethal weapons.

The warehouse contained a multitude of damaged drones and charred missile fragments. In separate facilities, hundreds of microchips were systematically organized into folders labeled with the names of various weapons employed by Russia, such as “Shahed,” “Iskander,” and “KN-23.”

The atmosphere is somber, as investigators are acutely aware that these components were recovered from sites where lives were tragically lost. According to the Ukrainian prosecutor general, strikes involving North Korean missiles have resulted in at least 28 fatalities and 213 injuries this year.

Andriy Kulchytskyi, the head of the Military Research Laboratory at Kyiv’s Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise, stated, “All the systems that guide the missile and enable its flight consist entirely of foreign components. The electronics are sourced from abroad, with no domestic Korean elements present.”

He further noted, “The only Korean aspect is the metal, which is prone to rapid rusting and corrosion.”

A Ukrainian Defense Intelligence official, who requested anonymity, mentioned that their investigations face challenges due to the damage sustained by missile fragments. However, it remains feasible to ascertain that “the overwhelming majority of components are of Western origin, with approximately 70% being American, sourced from well-known companies. Additionally, components from Germany and Switzerland are also utilized.”

A report published earlier this year by the UK-based investigative organization Conflict Armament Research (CAR) revealed that 75% of the components in one of the initial North Korean missiles used in attacks on Ukraine originated from US companies.

Experts in weapons tracing indicate that there is no definitive information on how these components reach North Korea, but they suggest that China is likely the primary channel.

Damien Spleeters, deputy director of operations at CAR, stated, “We have successfully traced some of these components, and the last known custodians are Chinese companies.” This indicates that Chinese firms acquired the components from manufacturers through a network of intermediaries.

“The diversion typically does not occur at the manufacturing site of the components,” he explained.

CAR adheres to a policy of not publicly identifying specific manufacturers, as there is no evidence that these companies intentionally supplied parts to North Korea.

Victoria Vyshnivska, a senior researcher at NAKO, commented, “Some of these components may actually be counterfeit and produced in China. However, we cannot be entirely certain,” she added, noting that the companies involved often do not respond to inquiries.

A manufacturer successfully provided NAKO with proof that a low-cost electronic component discovered in a North Korean missile was counterfeit.

In contrast, Vyshnivska noted that some manufacturers are opting against enhancing their export controls, as the implementation of more rigorous record-keeping and company audits would lead to increased expenses. “This is often a form of ignorance, potentially influenced by financial considerations,” she stated in an interview.

CAR and others believe that the primary concern lies with middleman distribution companies rather than the manufacturers themselves.

According to CAR, over 250 companies have had their components identified in North Korean missiles. However, the bulk of these electronics are funneled through five major distributors located in the United States and Canada. CAR is advocating for policymakers to concentrate more on regulating these distribution firms.

The US Commerce Department has intensified its efforts to target entities and shell companies involved in shipping sanctioned goods to Russia and Belarus.

Ukrainian officials contend that the inadequate enforcement of the sanctions regime by Western countries is a significant problem.

Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the Ukrainian president’s commissioner for sanctions policy, expressed optimism that the incoming Trump administration would pursue stricter control over illicit trade.

No manufacturers have yet been held accountable for these supplies, he stated “We believe that if any of these manufacturers were to be held liable for the amount of microelectronics discovered in Russian missiles targeting Ukraine, they would significantly increase their efforts in this area.”

This perspective aligns with the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, which criticized US manufacturers earlier this year for failing to adequately vet potential buyers, despite having sufficient resources, funding, and expertise.

“Our investigation indicates a clear lack of interest in assessing and enhancing corporate compliance practices, particularly in monitoring distributors and middlemen,” remarked Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) in September.

Additionally, components continue to be redirected to Iran and Russia, as noted by a Ukrainian intelligence official.

“Russia incorporates Western components across a range of lethal weapons and reconnaissance drones,” the Defense Intelligence official informed the media, highlighting that the downing of one of Russia’s heavy drones, the “Okhotnik,” revealed it was largely constructed from American parts. “We must also take the necessary steps to close these supply routes,” he emphasized.