Fact Check: "North Korea has supplied Russia with ballistic missiles similar to the Iskandar-M."
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that North Korea has indeed supplied Russia with ballistic missiles, specifically the KN-23 variant, which is believed to be similar in capabilities to Russia's Iskander-M missile system. According to a statement from White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, U.S. intelligence has confirmed that Russia is utilizing North Korean ballistic missiles in its military operations (Military Watch Magazine). Additionally, an investigation by Molfar has detailed the supply of KN-23/24 missiles to Russia, highlighting their deployment against Ukraine (Molfar).
The KN-23 missile is characterized by its road-mobile launch capability and is designed for precision strikes, making it comparable to the Iskander-M, which is also a mobile short-range ballistic missile system (Military Watch Magazine).
Analysis
The claim that North Korea has supplied Russia with ballistic missiles similar to the Iskander-M is supported by credible sources. The information from the U.S. intelligence community, as reported by Kirby, lends significant weight to the assertion that North Korea's missiles are being actively used by Russian forces (Military Watch Magazine).
However, while the KN-23 is indeed similar in function to the Iskander-M, there are nuances in their design and operational use. The Iskander-M is a more advanced system with a longer range and a broader array of warhead options, including nuclear capabilities. In contrast, the KN-23, while capable, may not match the Iskander-M in terms of technological sophistication and range (Molfar).
The reliability of the sources cited is generally high, as they include statements from U.S. government officials and investigative reports from reputable military analysis outlets. However, it is essential to consider that reports on military capabilities can sometimes be influenced by geopolitical narratives, which may introduce bias.
Conclusion
The claim that North Korea has supplied Russia with ballistic missiles similar to the Iskander-M is Partially True. While there is substantial evidence that North Korea is supplying missiles to Russia, specifically the KN-23, the comparison to the Iskander-M is not entirely straightforward due to differences in capabilities and technology. Thus, while the essence of the claim holds merit, the specifics require careful consideration.
