▲ North Korean leader Kim Jong-un observes a test-fire to evaluate the power of cluster warheads for short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missiles.
North Korea is currently supplying up to 40 percent of the artillery shells used by the Russian military, according to an analysis by Ukraine's military intelligence agency.
As reported by the Kyiv Post on July 8 (local time), the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence agency stated that North Korea has become a key arms supplier for Russia, accounting for 25 to 40 percent of the Russian military's artillery shell supply.
Since June 2023, North Korea has provided Russia with over 100 KN-23 and KN-24 ballistic missiles, as well as mobile launchers.
It has been determined that at least 80 of these missiles have already been deployed on the battlefield in Ukraine.
The KN-23 and KN-24 are short-range ballistic missiles developed by North Korea, which Russia has utilized in its attacks on Ukraine.
There are also analyses suggesting that the accuracy of North Korean-made missiles has improved as the war has continued.
The military intelligence agency assessed that the military and technological cooperation between the two countries has evolved from a one-time occurrence into a systematic level of partnership.
However, the agency explained that despite the extensive military cooperation between the two nations, there have been no confirmed signs that Russia is using advanced North Korean components in its drone or missile production processes.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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