South Korean army intelligence services have reported that North Korea has been supplying a range of ballistic missile systems to Russia, potentially bolstering Russian military capabilities in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The delivery includes Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBMs) and multiple launch rocket systems (MLRSs), as well as a substantial quantity of artillery ammunition.
The South Korean Armed Forces have identified three types of SRBMs (Short-Range Ballistic Missiles) that are likely being shipped to Russia: the KN-23, KN-24, and the KN-25, the latter of which is referred to as a “super-large caliber” MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) but is categorized by South Korea as a ballistic missile system due to its capabilities.
“The Korea Herald” reported on November 2, 2023, that North Korea is suspected of having provided 122mm rockets and 152mm artillery shells, both of which are compatible with Russian military equipment currently in use.
An official statement from Seoul disclosed that approximately 2,000 containers have been transported to Russia via the Rajin Port since August 2023. The volume of the munitions is considerable: if the containers were filled with 122mm rockets, the total would exceed 200,000 rounds; if with 152mm artillery shells, the number would surpass 1 million rounds.