North Korea May Deploy 120 Missiles to Russia

North Korea has begun deploying a missile unit to western Russia that could eventually operate up to 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers for potential strikes on Ukraine, according to Ukraine’s military intelligence.

Andrii Cherniak, a representative of Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence, said Russia plans to station roughly 90 North Korean personnel in the Voronezh region as part of its 112th Missile Brigade. A source familiar with the situation said the United States is aware of the reported deployment, while the CIA declined to comment.

The development could deepen Russia-North Korea military cooperation and increase pressure on Ukraine’s already limited air defence capabilities. Ballistic missiles are particularly difficult to intercept, with Ukraine relying heavily on U.S.-made Patriot systems to counter weapons such as Russia’s Iskander 9M723.

According to Cherniak, Pyongyang has already provided Russia with a new shipment of 40 KN-23 and KN-24 ballistic missiles along with personnel. Russia expects the deployment to eventually include 120 missiles and six launchers, although the final configuration could be determined during high-level talks.

Russia recently fired two North Korean missiles at Ukraine, marking their first recorded use since August 2025. Ukrainian authorities said one North Korean missile struck a residential building in Radushne, killing at least five members of one family.

North Korea began supplying KN-23 and KN-24 missiles to Russia in late 2023. Cherniak estimated that Pyongyang delivered about 150 missiles between late 2023 and August 2025. The North Korean weapons reportedly offer greater range and heavier payloads than Russia’s Iskander missiles but are considered less accurate.

The potential deployment comes as Ukraine faces concerns about maintaining sufficient air defence coverage, particularly ahead of winter, when Russia could intensify attacks against the country’s energy infrastructure.

Military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang has expanded significantly since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The countries signed a mutual defence agreement in 2024, while North Korea has supplied millions of artillery shells and thousands of troops to support Russia. Ukrainian officials have also warned that Moscow may be preparing to receive tens of thousands of additional North Korean soldiers.