ℹ️: The Hwasong-11C (KN-30): A solution to Russia's ballistic missile limitations? | 21/08/26

- This week, in response to an inquiry by the Ukrainian news network Ukrainska Pravda, Ukrainian intelligence officials confirmed that Russia had recently acquired KN-30 missiles from North Korea.
- Over the last few years, analysts have noted Russia's lack of medium-range conventional missiles. New projects like the Oreshnik and Iskander-1000 have been proposed as solutions to the problem, but they have yet to enter mass production.
- The Hwasong-11C might change that. The missile, which entered service with the North Korean military in 2021, has a reported maximum range of 900 kilometers. This distance is approximately 400 kilometers further than that of the Iskander-M. The Hwasong-11C would be able to target almost the entirety of Ukraine, including regions that were previously safe from ballistic strikes.
- The missile also supposedly carries a massive 2,500 kilogram warhead (More than a FAB-3000) and flies at hypersonic speeds (Up to Mach 6).
- If information about the transfer of this missile to Russia is true, it may be used during the upcoming winter strike campaign against Ukraine.