North Korea's Dual Threat: Missiles and Conventional Arms

The latest Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launched by North Korea, which uses solid rocket fuel, has sparked debate over a possible Russian role in the country's missile development. A report by a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor suggests that the Hwasong-18 may be the result of technical cooperation with Russia. However, other analysts have pointed out factual inaccuracies in the report and highlighted that the missile's design also resembles Chinese weapons. While North Korea's missile program has historical roots in assistance from the Soviet Union and Russia, the extent of ongoing cooperation is debated. Recent sanctions designations by the US indicate that North Koreans in China and Russia procure materials and technical information for the country's missile program.