Russia negotiates with North Korea for powerful KN-30 missiles

Russia is reportedly negotiating a new military aid package with North Korea as it prepares for the autumn and winter phases of the conflict in Ukraine. According to Andrii Cherniak of the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence, the requested aid may include the KN-30 ballistic missile, which is estimated to be approximately three times more powerful than the KN-23 and KN-24 missiles previously supplied to Russia.

While Russia has already received 40 KN-23/24 ballistic missiles from North Korea—with at least two reportedly used in recent attacks against Ukraine—intelligence officials note that no transfers of the more powerful KN-30 missiles have been recorded yet. The negotiations do not confirm that these new weapons have been deployed or integrated into Russian forces.

Previous assessments suggested Russia expected North Korea to provide up to 120 ballistic missiles, six launchers, and a specialized missile unit consisting of up to 90 personnel. The continued supply of North Korean short-range ballistic missiles helps Russia supplement its own stockpiles and maintain the tempo of its missile strikes against Ukrainian territory.