Estimated inflow from North Korea through China… Western components found in missiles produced in 2023
CNN reported this on the 23rd (local time), citing a Ukrainian military official. According to reports, Ukraine estimates that 60 North Korean KN-23 missiles were used in attacks against the country this year. This is one-third of the total 194 ballistic missiles used by Russia.
In particular, the use of ballistic missiles is said to have increased rapidly in August and September, when Ukraine announced Russia’s use of North Korean KN-23 missiles. In this situation, Ukraine disclosed the relevant wreckage to CNN, where Western parts were captured.
It appears that American and European components were mainly used in the electrical circuits in the induction system. CNN cited data from Ukraine’s Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (NAKO) and reported that nine companies in the United States, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom produced the parts.
In particular, some of the missiles subject to analysis were found to have been produced in 2023. This means that the flow of parts and weapons with North Korea is continuing rapidly. The North Korean-made parts used in the missile are known to be simple metal parts.
CNN also cited weapons tracking experts and said, “There is no reliable information about exactly how the parts flow into North Korea,” but added, “Given all indications, the likely route appears to be China.”
Damien Splitters, deputy director of the Conflict Arms Research Institute (CAR), a UK-based investigative organization, pointed out to CNN, “After tracking some of the parts, it was a Chinese company that ultimately stored them.” However, because there is no evidence of intentional shipment to North Korea, specific names were not disclosed.
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