Strikes at a distance of over 1200 kilometers: North Korea may have delivered another ballistic missile to the Russian Federation.

North Korea possibly delivered a ballistic missile to Russia with a range of over 1000 km

According to the Defense Express portal, North Korea continues to supply arms to the Russian Federation. Recently, a medium-range ballistic missile may have been delivered. A video has surfaced online showing another echelon of weapons and military equipment from North Korea captured in the Tyumen region. The material notes that this is particularly interesting for two reasons.

According to my source, this was filmed in the Tyumen region. It shows both 10 Koksans and 4 Pukguksong-2 SRBM. Considering that 12 were visible in the previous video, this MAY be a separate shipment. pic.twitter.com/LiZJXBENTJ — KPAWeaponsTracker (@KPAWeapons) December 21, 2024.

Firstly, the video shows at least 10 self-propelled 170mm artillery systems M1989 'Koksan'. This is already the second echelon with such systems detected on Russian territory in recent days. Additionally, the footage shows 5 units of equipment that may be launchers for the medium-range ballistic missiles Pukguksong-2, also known as 'Polar Star' or classified by the Americans as KN-15.

However, there are currently no sufficiently clear frames to fully confirm that it is this missile. But there is a high probability that North Korea and Russia have an agreement to strengthen the armed forces of the Russian Federation with a greater quantity and variety of weapons.

Pukguksong-2 (KN-15) ballistic missile

The Pukguksong-2 missile (also known as KN-15) was developed by North Korea under strict secrecy. The exact tactical and technical characteristics remain unknown, particularly regarding its range.

According to open sources, the Pukguksong-2 missile can travel a distance of 1200-1300 kilometers, although some claim it can reach 2000 or even 3000 kilometers. However, such data seems dubious and likely exaggerated with a propagandistic undertone.

Pukguksong-2 is a ground-based modification of the Pukguksong-1 missile, which is designed for launches from submarines. The development of this missile, according to unofficial data, may have begun as early as 2014, but the exact completion conditions are unknown.

In 2016, the first unsuccessful tests of Pukguksong-2 apparently took place, which the country did not confirm. Official confirmation of a successful launch was received in February 2017, when the missile flew a distance of about 500 kilometers at a maximum flight altitude of 550 kilometers. Although initially, North Korean intelligence considered the possibility of testing other missile systems (Nodong or Musudan), state media of North Korea later confirmed that it was indeed Pukguksong-2 that was being tested.

According to available information, another Pukguksong-2 test occurred that same year, where the missile demonstrated similar flight characteristics. Following these successful tests, North Korea announced plans to begin mass production of this missile. Records up until 2019 confirm that the Pukguksong-2 is already in service with North Korean missile bases.

Pukguksong-2 is a two-stage solid-fuel missile. It has approximate dimensions: length 9 meters and diameter 1.5 meters. For launchers, a tracked chassis was chosen, taking into account the terrain of North Korea.

Earlier, North Korean representatives expressed views on cooperation with Russia and announced the deterrence of the United States.