Kim Jong-sik, First Deputy Director of the North Korean Ministry of Military Industry
Introduction
The recent visit of a top North Korean ballistic missile engineer to Donetsk has drawn significant international attention. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) revealed that Kim Jong-sik, First Deputy Director of North Korea’s Ministry of Military Industry, visited a launch site in early August.
The launch site was reportedly used to fire the “North Korean version of the Iskander (KN-23)” missile near the Russian-Ukrainian frontline. Kim’s presence has triggered widespread concern, as his visit involved overseeing the missile’s deployment, and North Korea’s active involvement in the conflict has become increasingly evident.
Kim Jong-sik’s Role and Influence
Kim Jong-sik is a renowned figure in North Korea’s missile development programme. He is one of the nation’s top three missile experts and has been instrumental in advancing North Korea’s ballistic missile capabilities.
His visit to Donetsk, where the KN-23 missile was tested, involved not only oversight but also providing direct guidance to dozens of North Korean military personnel stationed there. The presence of Kim Jong-sik is a clear signal that North Korea is looking to gather real-world data on the performance of its advanced missile systems in active conflict zones.
The intelligence suggests that the visit is part of a larger initiative led by North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un to refine their military strategy based on combat experience. With Kim Jong-sik personally supervising the KN-23 missile launch, North Korea aims to assess how its missile systems perform under battlefield conditions.
This data will likely play a critical role in shaping the country’s future military tactics, particularly regarding its ongoing rivalry with South Korea.
The KN-23 Missile: A Potent Threat
This missile has quickly become a focal point of concern for many nations. The KN-23 closely models Russia’s Iskander missile. It is a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM). North Korea designed them to evade modern missile defence systems. It can deliver precise strikes on key military and civilian targets.
With a range of 400–600 kilometres, it can easily reach critical South Korean installations and cities. This makes the missile a central component of North Korea’s military strategy against South Korea.
One of the most troubling aspects of the KN-23 is its ability to carry various warheads. It has a maximum payload of up to 500 kilograms, which includes conventional explosives but potentially tactical nuclear warheads as well. Such capabilities make the KN-23 a versatile and highly dangerous weapon in North Korea’s arsenal.
Ukrainian Accusations and Rising Tensions
The Ukrainian government has accused North Korea of directly aiding Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine, specifically pointing to the KN-23 missile. According to Ukrainian officials, the KN-23 has been involved in attacks on major cities, including Kyiv. These missile strikes have reportedly resulted in substantial civilian casualties, further heightening international concern.
South Korea’s NIS, in cooperation with Ukrainian intelligence agencies, released photographs that showed a suspected North Korean military technician at the Ukrainian front line. This individual was confirmed to be part of Kim Jong-sik’s entourage and had previously appeared in North Korean state media.
Advanced facial recognition technology was used to verify the identity of the North Korean missile expert, who was seen standing alongside Russian soldiers at a KN-23 missile launch site near Donetsk.
The presence of North Korean military personnel on the Ukrainian front line, particularly missile technicians and experts, signals a disturbing level of involvement by North Korea in international conflicts. Their role in providing technical expertise for missile systems like the KN-23 is a concerning development, especially given the missile’s destructive potential.
Advanced Features of the KN-23 Missile
The KN-23’s technological sophistication is one of the reasons it is so concerning to military analysts. Unlike traditional ballistic missiles that follow a fixed, predictable arc, the KN-23 can alter its flight path midair. This feature makes it extremely difficult for modern air defence systems to intercept missiles. The missile’s ability to manoeuvre at high speeds—allegedly reaching Mach 6 (six times the speed of sound)—makes it a highly effective tactical weapon.
Moreover, the missile’s mobility adds another layer of unpredictability. The KN-23 is launched from mobile platforms, which allows it to be deployed quickly and with little warning. This feature makes it difficult for opposition forces to detect and neutralise the missile before it is launched.
Once airborne, the missile’s advanced guidance system, likely incorporating satellite navigation and onboard sensors, ensures a high degree of accuracy. Reports suggest that the KN-23 has a circular error probability (CEP) of just a few metres, which makes it capable of delivering devastatingly precise strikes on critical targets with minimal collateral damage.
North Korea has a range of missiles in its arsenal that it could potentially deploy in Donetsk, especially given the strategic partnership between North Korea and Russia. While the KN-23 missile was already reportedly tested in the region, here are other notable missile systems that North Korea could potentially deploy in Donetsk:
1. KN-24 (Short-Range Ballistic Missile)
- The KN-24 is another short-range ballistic missile similar to the American MGM-140 ATACMS. Its advanced manoeuvrability makes it difficult to intercept, and it is designed for precision strikes. Its range is estimated to be around 400 kilometres, which puts many targets in Ukraine within reach.
2. Hwasong-5 and Hwasong-6 (Scud Variants)
- These are North Korean variants of the Soviet-era Scud missiles. The Hwasong-5 has a range of around 300 kilometres, while the Hwasong-6 can reach up to 500 kilometres. Both can carry conventional warheads, but they can also be modified to carry chemical or biological payloads, making them a significant threat in conflict zones.
3. KN-02 (Toksa)
- The KN-02 (Toksa) is a short-range tactical missile, boasting a range of approximately 120-160 kilometres. The KN-02 is derived from the Soviet OTR-21 Tochka missile system and is known for its accuracy and speed. It could be used for strikes on Ukrainian military targets with little warning due to its mobility and rapid launch capability.
4. Hwasong-12 (Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile—IRBM)
- The Hwasong-12 is capable of hitting targets up to 4,500 kilometres away. While this missile has not been used in any combat zone, it could theoretically be deployed to strike distant strategic targets, including in NATO countries. However, deploying this missile in Donetsk might signal a significant escalation.
5. Pukkuksong-2 (Medium-Range Ballistic Missile)
- The Pukkuksong-2 is a solid-fuel missile that can be launched from mobile platforms. It has an estimated range of around 1,200–2,000 kilometres. This makes it suitable for medium-range attacks, providing North Korea with flexibility in targeting strategic assets.
6. KN-25 (Super-Large Multiple Rocket Launcher)
- The KN-25 is a multiple rocket launcher system capable of launching guided rockets with an estimated range of about 380 kilometres. It is considered one of North Korea’s most advanced artillery systems, capable of rapid, sustained fire. This system could be used for saturation attacks against Ukrainian forces.
7. Hwasong-14 (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile—ICBM)
- Hwasong-14 is one of North Korea’s most advanced missiles, with a range exceeding 10,000 kilometres. Although it is unlikely that North Korea would deploy an ICBM like the Hwasong-14 in Donetsk due to the nature of the conflict, its presence would significantly escalate tensions. The missile is primarily intended for long-range strategic targets, but its deployment in the region could serve as a demonstration of power.
8. KN-09 (Multiple Launch Rocket System—MLRS)
- The KN-09 is a long-range rocket artillery system capable of hitting targets up to 200 kilometres away. It is a powerful weapon for striking both military and infrastructure targets, providing flexibility in battlefield conditions.
9. Hwasong-15 (ICBM)
- The Hwasong-15 can carry a heavy nuclear payload over intercontinental ranges. North Korea primarily designed it for long-range strategic strikes. Like the Hwasong-14, it would deploy the missile only in extreme escalation scenarios.
10. KN-08 (ICBM)
- The KN-08, an intercontinental ballistic missile with a range of over 11,000 kilometres, could be deployed in a strategic move. North Korea is unlikely to use it in the current conflict.
However, it still keeps the missile as part of its growing arsenal.
North Korea’s missile technology has developed significantly, and by deploying missiles like the KN-23 in Donetsk, the country can gain valuable combat experience, refine its systems, and potentially test more advanced models in cooperation with Russia. These missiles pose a considerable threat, not only to the immediate region but also to global security.
North Korea’s Real-World Testing in Donetsk
By deploying the KN-23 near Donetsk, North Korea is collecting valuable battlefield data on its performance. This testing goes beyond improving missile capabilities. It also reveals how the missile works in unpredictable combat conditions.
If the missile performs well in such an environment, North Korea may gain confidence. It could then develop and deploy it in other conflicts, especially on the Korean Peninsula. Kim Jong-sik’s direct role in testing shows the data’s importance. It could shape North Korea’s future military strategies. With tensions rising on the Korean Peninsula, these tests send a clear warning. North Korea is ready to refine its missile technology through real-world conflicts like Ukraine.
Implications for Global Security
The visit of Kim Jong-sik to Donetsk signals a worrying shift in global security. He is one of North Korea’s top missile engineers. North Korea’s KN-23 missiles can evade defences and hit them with precision. Its potential use in conflicts adds to global concern.
Reports of North Korean military personnel on frontlines raise troubling questions. These actions hint at Pyongyang’s wider ambitions beyond its borders. Collaboration between North Korea and Russia in Ukraine shows growing ties. Pyongyang is not just watching but actively involved in conflict zones. This partnership could boost North Korea’s missile technology. It also risks destabilising regions far away from the Korean Peninsula.
Conclusion
Kim Jong-sik’s visit to Donetsk and the deployment of the KN-23 missile have brought North Korea’s military ambitions into sharp focus. KN-23’s advanced capabilities, including manoeuvrability, make it a significant threat.
North Korea’s increasing involvement in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is a troubling development that highlights the growing sophistication of its missile technology. To maintain global stability, the international community must remain vigilant and address these emerging threats.
