North Korean Missiles Appear in Ukraine Conflict In a significant development that highlights the growing military collaboration between Russia and North Korea, Russian forces in Ukraine have reportedly begun using North Korean-made “Bulsae-4” anti-tank missiles. The advanced missile system, featuring a Non-Line of Sight (NLOS) capability, marks a new phase in the ongoing conflict, underscoring Russia’s evolving strategy and its reliance on external partners to bolster its military capabilities.
According to recent battlefield reports, the Bulsae-4 missile has been deployed in areas such as Kharkiv, where it has been used to destroy Ukrainian mobile artillery systems, including the British-donated AS-90s. This development not only reveals the increasing influence of North Korean military technology but also raises broader geopolitical questions about the ramifications of this alliance.
The transfer of North Korean military assets to Russia adds a new layer of complexity to the conflict, with South Korean intelligence confirming the shipment of large quantities of weapons and ammunition. The international community is now faced with the prospect of an expanding military partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang, with consequences that could reverberate far beyond Ukraine.
The introduction of the Bulsae-4 NLOS anti-tank guided missile system in Ukraine signals a crucial shift in the tactical landscape of the conflict. The missile, which boasts a range of over 10 kilometers, is designed for precision strikes against armored targets without the need for direct line of sight. This long-range capability makes it particularly effective against mobile artillery systems and heavily armored vehicles, which are central to Ukraine’s defense efforts.
One of the most alarming aspects of the Bulsae-4 is its reported ability to strike targets at distances of up to 25 kilometers. This extended range, combined with its ability to perform “top attack” strikes—hitting targets from above, where armor is typically weaker—makes it a potent threat to Ukrainian forces. The top attack mode is especially lethal against tanks and other armored vehicles, including the British-donated AS-90 self-propelled artillery, which has been targeted by Russian forces equipped with these missiles.
The Bulsae-4 missile is launched from North Korea’s 6×6 M-2010 armored vehicle, which features a missile launcher capable of firing eight anti-tank missiles. The system is equipped with a video camera that allows for accurate targeting and remote operation, adding a layer of sophistication that makes it well-suited for modern warfare.
In Kharkiv, the deployment of the Bulsae-4 has had devastating effects on Ukrainian artillery units, significantly reducing their effectiveness and limiting their mobility. The destruction of the AS-90s, a key component of Ukraine’s artillery capabilities, demonstrates the missile’s potential to alter the dynamics of the battlefield in Russia’s favor.
The Broader Context The use of North Korean weapons by Russian forces is not an isolated incident. According to South Korean intelligence, North Korea has been supplying Russia with a wide range of military equipment, including short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs), anti-tank missiles, and various types of ammunition. This cooperation has intensified over the past year, with North Korean ships reportedly transporting approximately 2,000 containers filled with weapons and ammunition to Russia.
These shipments, which are believed to have started in mid-2022, have escalated since August of that year, coinciding with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s visit to Russia. The containers are thought to have contained over 200,000 122mm artillery shells, more than a million 152mm artillery shells, and other ammunition essential to Russia’s war effort.
The delivery of these arms is crucial to Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine, which has been characterized by heavy artillery duels, particularly in the contested eastern regions. With Ukraine receiving substantial military aid from Western nations, including advanced weapons systems and artillery, Russia’s reliance on North Korean arms provides a critical lifeline for sustaining its operations.
The Russia-North Korea Military Alliance The increasing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea has significant geopolitical implications. For Pyongyang, the partnership offers a way to secure much-needed financial and material support, as North Korea grapples with international sanctions and economic isolation. Reports suggest that Russia is compensating North Korea for its weapons with a combination of cash, food supplies, and possibly technological assistance in missile development.
In particular, North Korea’s supply of ballistic missiles, including the Hwasong-11, provides Russia with a new dimension of military capability. The Hwasong-11, a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) capable of striking targets between 400km and 800km, has reportedly been used by Russian forces in Ukraine. Its ability to evade interception by air defense systems makes it a formidable weapon, particularly in a conflict where air superiority is contested.
For Russia, the alliance with North Korea offers a way to mitigate the impact of Western sanctions and the depletion of its military stockpiles. By turning to Pyongyang for arms, Moscow can maintain the flow of munitions needed for its protracted campaign in Ukraine. This relationship also allows Russia to diversify its sources of military hardware, reducing its dependence on domestic production and other suppliers like Iran and China.
The deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, exemplified by Kim Jong Un’s high-profile meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Vostochny Cosmodrome, reflect a shared strategic interest in countering Western influence and bolstering each other’s regimes. North Korea’s backing of Russia’s war effort also positions it as a key player in the broader geopolitical struggle between the West and its adversaries.
The introduction of North Korean weapons into the Ukraine conflict could have far-reaching consequences for both sides. For Ukraine, the presence of advanced anti-tank and ballistic missile systems on the battlefield presents a new challenge, as these weapons have the potential to neutralize some of the key advantages provided by Western military aid. The destruction of Ukrainian artillery systems like the AS-90 by Bulsae-4 missiles could limit Ukraine’s ability to conduct counteroffensives and defend its territory.
On the other hand, the use of North Korean arms also highlights Russia’s increasing desperation in securing external support for its war effort. While the influx of North Korean weapons may temporarily bolster Russia’s military capabilities, it also underscores the limitations of Russia’s own defense industry, which has struggled to keep pace with the demands of a protracted conflict.
The growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea raises concerns about the proliferation of advanced missile technology. North Korea’s willingness to supply ballistic missiles to Russia could embolden other actors in the region, potentially escalating tensions in East Asia and beyond. Moreover, the transfer of missile technology from Russia to North Korea could accelerate Pyongyang’s own missile development programs, further destabilizing the region.
Russia turns to North Korea for military support, Western nations may need to reassess their strategy in providing aid to Ukraine. The introduction of North Korean weapons on the battlefield may require Ukraine and its allies to adapt their tactics, particularly in countering the long-range missile systems and advanced anti-tank weaponry supplied by Pyongyang.
NATO and other Western nations will likely face increased pressure to provide Ukraine with more advanced air defense systems capable of intercepting North Korean ballistic missiles. Additionally, the destruction of Ukrainian artillery systems by Bulsae-4 missiles could prompt Western governments to accelerate the delivery of replacement weapons and ammunition to Ukrainian forces.
Beyond Ukraine, the Russia-North Korea military alliance poses a broader challenge to the international order. As North Korea continues to defy United Nations sanctions by exporting arms, there may be renewed efforts to enforce stricter sanctions and cut off Pyongyang’s access to international markets. However, the effectiveness of such measures remains uncertain, particularly as North Korea deepens its ties with countries like Russia and Iran.
A New Chapter in the Ukraine Conflict The deployment of North Korean-made Bulsae-4 anti-tank missiles in Ukraine is a stark reminder of the evolving nature of the conflict and the shifting alliances that underpin it. As Russia and North Korea draw closer together, the dynamics of the war are set to change, with far-reaching implications for the region and the world.
For Ukraine, the introduction of these advanced missile systems poses a serious challenge to its defense strategy, while for Russia, the influx of North Korean arms represents both an opportunity and a sign of vulnerability. As the war continues, the international community will need to grapple with the consequences of this deepening military partnership and its potential to reshape the global security landscape.
