North Korean Missiles Offer Glimpse into 1970s Manufacturing Techniques

A forensic examination of North Korean missiles, specifically the KN-23 and KN-24 (Hwasong-11A and 11B) variants, has exposed a surprising reliance on outdated manufacturing techniques reminiscent of the 1970s Soviet era. While the internal electronics may incorporate modern components, allegedly acquired by circumventing international sanctions, the overall construction points to a crude and rudimentary production process. This is starkly illustrated by the fact that nearly half of these missiles fail to reach their targets, either malfunctioning mid-flight or detonating prematurely.

This revelation comes at a time when technological superiority is considered a decisive factor in modern conflicts, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine. While Russia has reportedly utilized North Korean weaponry to supplement its own dwindling missile stocks, the analysis suggests that these weapons pose as much of a threat to their users as to their intended targets. The findings paint a picture of a nation struggling with advanced manufacturing, despite efforts to procure modern components.

For us at Der Standard, this story underscores the complex and often surprising realities of international arms proliferation. It highlights how nations, even under severe sanctions, can still produce and deploy military hardware, albeit with significant technological limitations. The contrast between the purported modern electronics and the antiquated manufacturing methods is a stark reminder that appearances can be deceiving in the world of military technology. This insight into Pyongyang's capabilities, while concerning, also provides a valuable, if unsettling, glimpse into the state of its defense industry.