The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has issued a detailed assessment indicating that North Korea’s ballistic missile systems—specifically the KN‑23 and KN‑24 models—are constructed using engineering approaches, materials, and manufacturing philosophies that trace back nearly half a century. These production techniques, rooted in the technological mindset of the Cold War, emphasize simplicity, affordability, and reliance on legacy industrial infrastructure rather than contemporary precision engineering. According to the Ministry’s analysis, these outdated weapons incorporate low‑cost components and disproportionately large propulsion units intended to compensate for inefficiencies stemming from their unsophisticated overall design. This combination underscores striking contrasts with the more advanced Russian analogues from which the North Korean variants appear to draw partial inspiration.

While the framework of these missiles reflects an era long past, their continued presence on today’s strategic landscape demonstrates how antiquated engineering principles can persist in shaping modern warfare. By utilizing obsolete but functional technologies, North Korea can produce formidable, if imprecise, weapon systems at reduced cost—allowing it to expand its arsenal despite limited access to advanced materials or precision manufacturing capabilities. Analysts suggest that such adaptations exemplify how nations constrained by sanctions or resource shortages repurpose legacy knowledge to achieve contemporary military relevance.

Thus, Ukraine’s disclosure functions not merely as a technical critique but also as a broader commentary on the paradox of twentieth‑century engineering surviving well into the twenty‑first century. These missiles serve as tangible proof that even equipment conceived with outdated methods can exert real influence over current defense equations, where affordability and mass production sometimes outweigh technological sophistication. #DefenseAnalysis #Ukraine #NorthKorea #MilitaryTechnology

Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/north-korean-missiles-iskander-outdated-methods-ukraine-kn23-kn24-hwasong-2026-4