A shocking investigation has uncovered that North Korean ballistic missiles used by Russia in its assault on Ukraine are brimming with components manufactured in the United States and Europe. The revelation, confirmed by CNN and Ukrainian military sources, highlights alarming gaps in global supply chains that are inadvertently fueling the war.
Western Tech in Eastern Missiles
Between January and November 2024, Russia launched 194 ballistic missiles at Ukraine, 60 of which were North Korean KN-23 missiles. These weapons, infamous for their precision and lethality, carry a disturbing twist:
- Ukrainian Findings: Missile fragments analyzed by Ukrainian officials revealed guidance systems containing parts from nine Western manufacturers, including firms in the U.S., U.K., and Netherlands.
- Recent Manufacturing Dates: Some components were produced as recently as 2023, raising serious questions about ongoing supply chain vulnerabilities.
- Extensive Supply Chains: A report from Conflict Armament Research (CAR) found that 75% of components in an early KN-23 missile originated from U.S. companies.
How Did Western Tech Get There?
Investigators have traced the components’ journey through a tangled web of suppliers:
- Global Distribution: Over 250 companies contributed parts to North Korean missiles, with five main distributors—primarily in the U.S. and Canada—dominating the supply chain.
- China’s Role: Experts believe China acts as a critical intermediary, funneling Western-made components to North Korea through complex networks that evade sanctions.
A Tactical Shift by Russia
Ukrainian officials have noted a change in Russia’s strategy as it leans more heavily on ballistic missiles and drones:
- Increased Ballistic Strikes: Since spring, Russia has shifted away from cruise missiles, relying more on ballistic missiles like the KN-23.
- Spike in Attacks: August and September saw a surge in KN-23 missile use, coinciding with intensified Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Yuriy Ignat, acting head of communications for the Ukrainian Air Force, highlighted the growing reliance on these weapons: “Russia is using ballistic missiles and attack drones much more to strike Ukraine.”
Closing the Loopholes
The revelations have prompted Ukraine and its allies to ramp up efforts to block Russia’s access to critical components:
- Disrupting Sanctions Evasion: Ukraine is collaborating with CAR and other organizations to identify and shut down supply routes enabling these components to reach North Korea and, ultimately, Russia.
- Global Urgency: The findings underscore the need for tighter controls on supply chains to prevent the misuse of Western-made technologies in warfare.
The Bigger Picture
The discovery of Western-made parts in North Korean missiles not only complicates the war in Ukraine but also exposes a broader challenge: the exploitation of global trade networks for military purposes. With Russia and North Korea deepening their alliance, the need for stricter oversight has never been more pressing.
As the war rages on, will global supply chains be tightened to prevent further exploitation? Share your thoughts below.
Key Takeaways
- North Korean missiles used by Russia against Ukraine contain Western-made components.
- Parts were traced to U.S., U.K., and European manufacturers, with some produced as recently as 2023.
- Loopholes in supply chains and China’s intermediary role are enabling the transfer of critical technologies.
Stay tuned for more on how the West is grappling with this startling revelation.