North Korean missiles used by Russia to attack Ukraine contain electronics sourced from the West, according to CNN.

One in three missiles that Russia has used to attack Ukraine this year was North Korean. Out of 194 ballistic missiles, 60 were KN-23 manufactured by North Korea. 

According to writes CNN.

It is noted that there was a surge in the use of KN-23 missiles in August and September. "We see that since spring, Russia has significantly increased the use of ballistic missiles and strike drones against Ukraine. There is less use of cruise missiles," said Yuri Ignat, the acting head of communications for the Ukrainian Air Force, to CNN.

The only Korean component in the North Korean manufactured missile is the metal, which rusts quickly and is prone to corrosion. This was stated by Andriy Kulchytsky, head of the Military Research Laboratory at the Kyiv Institute of Forensic Expertise.

"Everything that works to control the missile, to make it fly, consists of foreign components. All the electronics are foreign. There is nothing Korean in it," he explained.

A Ukrainian intelligence officer, who wished to remain unnamed, confirmed that "the vast majority of components are Western." It is likely that 70% are American from well-known companies... They also use components made in Germany and Switzerland."

Early this year, the British research organization Conflict Armament Research (CAR) established that 75% of the components of one of the first North Korean missiles used to attack Ukraine were from American companies.

It is probable that Western components are reaching North Korea from China. "We have successfully tracked some of these components, and the last known holders are Chinese companies," said Damien Splieters, the deputy director of operations at CAR. The organization does not name specific manufacturers, as there is no evidence that firms have deliberately sent parts to North Korea.

Additionally, some of the components may be counterfeit and produced directly in China, reported the Ukrainian Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (NABU).

Strikes using North Korean missiles this year have killed at least 28 people, with 213 injured, the Attorney General of Ukraine informed CNN.

Background. Earlier, Mind reported that North Korea likely received technologies from Russia to enhance intercontinental missiles.