North Korea using Ukraine as testing ground to improve missile accuracy

Reuters reported the information.

A military source described a “marked improvement” in the precision of more than 20 missiles fired in recent weeks. A senior government official confirmed these findings, suggesting North Korea is using the war to test and refine its missile technology.

Weapons expert Yang Uk from the Asan Institute warned that North Korea’s advances could pose a threat to South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. 

“That can have a major impact on stability in the region and the world,” he said.

Ukraine’s military has identified North Korean missiles by examining blast sites but found little debris for forensic analysis. The improvements may be due to better navigation systems or new guidance components supplied by Russia.

Earlier in the war, the missiles had an accuracy range of 1-3 kilometers. Now, their precision has suddenly increased, the military source noted. 

"North Korea is getting something," Yang said, referring to potential Russian assistance in exchange for arms.

Despite Moscow and Pyongyang denying arms deals, intelligence reports suggest North Korea has provided Russia with missiles, artillery shells, and even troops. In return, Russia may be offering missile components, funding, or space technology.

While North Korean missiles make up a small part of Russia’s arsenal, they carry a large one-ton warhead and have a longer range than Russia’s Iskander-M missiles.

• Chief of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate Kyrylo Budanov said that the DPRK is likely to supply Russia with 150 short-range KN-23 ballistic missiles and artillery systems in 2025.