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North Korea Ramps Up Ballistic Missiles Production to Maximize Russia's Strike Capabilities in Ukraine.
According to Reuters, in an analysis published on November 25, 2024, the North Korean military complex known as the "February 11 Plant" in Hamhung, which is critical for producing KN-23 ballistic missiles, is undergoing significant expansion confirmed by recent satellite imagery. These missiles, reportedly used by Russian forces in Ukraine, have drawn heightened international attention to the site. The analysis, supported by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies and SI Analytics, reveals the construction of a new assembly building and worker housing facilities.
North Korea KN-23 Short-Range Ballistic Missile (Picture source: North Korea MoD)
An analysis by Reuters, based on recent satellite images and published on November 25, 2024, highlights major developments at the "February 11 Plant," a key North Korean military complex in Hamhung. This site plays a pivotal role in producing KN-23 short-range ballistic missiles, which have been confirmed as being used by Russian forces in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The findings, corroborated by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) and South Korea’s SI Analytics, detail the construction of a new assembly building, approximately 60-70% of the size of the current facility, as well as additional infrastructure to house workers.
In parallel, the "February 8 Vinalon Complex," a neighboring facility potentially involved in missile fuel production, is also undergoing upgrades. These efforts reflect North Korea’s commitment to enhancing its strategic arsenal and may address new requirements stemming from its military cooperation with Russia, though the exact scope of this collaboration remains unclear.
North Korea is reportedly preparing to deliver another round of cruise and ballistic missiles to Russia as the latter grapples with a critical shortage of long-range missiles amid the Ukraine conflict. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, this initiative aligns with Moscow’s plans to retaliate against recent Ukrainian strikes using U.S.-supplied ATACMS and British Storm Shadow missiles, which caused significant damage in the Kursk region. While North Korean missiles, such as land-attack cruise missiles (LACMs), complement rather than replace Russia’s capabilities, their delivery underscores growing military ties between the two nations.
This strengthening partnership has been further evidenced by the June 2024 signing of a mutual defense treaty during Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang. Additionally, reports indicate that over 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia’s Kursk region, with some participating directly in the Ukraine conflict. This collaboration has raised concerns in Seoul and Washington, where it is viewed as a regional destabilizer and a violation of international sanctions against Pyongyang.
Since October 2023, reports have confirmed Russia's use of KN-23 ballistic missiles supplied by North Korea in Ukraine. On November 26, 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense disclosed that North Korea had shipped over 1,000 containers of weapons and ammunition, including KN-23 missiles, to Russia in October 2023. On August 6, 2024, Ukrainian sources reported another instance of KN-23 use in a Russian attack.
The KN-23, produced at the February 11 Plant, is a solid-fuel ballistic missile designed to evade missile defense systems through a low-altitude, depressed trajectory. First tested in 2019, it has demonstrated significant effectiveness against modern air defenses, making it a valuable asset for Russia. Amid an extended conflict in Ukraine and production challenges, Russia may increasingly rely on North Korean capabilities to supplement its arsenal. However, Moscow and Pyongyang continue to deny any direct arms transfers.
One of the KN-23’s standout features is its mobility. It is launched from a mobile transporter-erector-launcher (TEL), allowing it to be quickly moved and concealed, making detection and targeting difficult for adversaries. Its solid-fuel propulsion system enables rapid launches, reducing pre-launch preparation time compared to liquid-fueled missiles.
The missile is designed to effectively evade missile defense systems. Its advanced maneuverability allows it to alter its trajectory mid-flight, a feature known as "quasi-ballistic" flight, complicating interception efforts. Additionally, the KN-23 can perform low-altitude flights, reducing radar detection until the final phase of its trajectory, increasing its chances of reaching its target.
The KN-23 has an estimated range of 400 to 700 kilometers (250 to 435 miles), enabling it to strike targets across the Korean Peninsula and beyond. This range allows North Korea to target strategic sites in South Korea and neighboring countries, including key military installations and urban centers.
The expansion of North Korea’s missile capabilities challenges global efforts to curb Pyongyang’s ballistic ambitions. It also underscores a breakdown in the longstanding consensus within the United Nations Security Council on limiting North Korea’s missile programs.