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North Korea’s latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-18, has sparked speculation about possible Russian assistance in the country’s missile development. The missile, which uses solid rocket fuel, was analyzed in a report by Theodore Postol, a professor emeritus at MIT. Postol suggests that the advanced capabilities of the Hwasong-18 indicate technical cooperation with Russia. The missile has been tested twice, with the July 12 test being the longest flight time ever recorded by a North Korean missile. Solid propellants allow for faster and easier deployment during war.

Russia and North Korea have expressed interest in closer military ties, but North Korea denies any arms dealings with Russia. Russia’s foreign ministry has not responded to the report. Recently, a UN Panel of Experts accused entities in Russia of procuring items for North Korea’s missile program. Russia denies any knowledge or information regarding these transactions that would breach sanctions on North Korea.

The report by Postol was questioned by analysts at California’s James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS). The CNS researchers noted factual inaccuracies in Postol’s report and identified differences between the Hwasong-18 and Russian missiles that would exclude the possibility of Russia transferring a complete ICBM system.

North Korea’s missile program has historical roots in assistance from the Soviet Union and later Russia. However, there is debate about the extent of continued assistance since the 1990s. Some experts suggest that North Korea has gathered information about other countries’ technology through various means, including cyber espionage.

While there is speculation about Russian involvement, it is important to note that North Korea has publicly been developing solid-fuel missiles since at least 2017. Some systems of the Hwasong-18 resemble Chinese weapons, indicating a potential Chinese influence.

South Korea’s intelligence agency is closely monitoring any potential transfer of nuclear missile technology from Russia to North Korea.

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