South Korean Intelligence: Russia May Have Assisted North Korea with Technology for Hwasong-20 Intercontinental Missile

North Korea (DPRK) has likely received technical assistance from Russia to develop the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile, which is capable of targeting locations in the United States.

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea (JCS) stated this on Tuesday, October 14, according to Yonhap.

The missile was first showcased during a military parade last week, marking the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea.

In North Korea, the Hwasong-20 was described as “the most powerful system of nuclear strategic weapons.”

It was noted that the design of the self-propelled transport erector launcher (TEL) on a wheeled chassis for the Hwasong-20 differed from the previous Hwasong-19, which was first tested in October of last year.

This has led to speculation that North Korea may have received support from Russia in developing the new long-range missile, amid the growing military partnership between the two countries.

“I believe that such a possibility is quite likely,” said JCS Chairman General Jin Yong-sung during a parliamentary hearing, in response to questions about this possibility.

For more on the development of North Korea’s missile program, including the creation of ballistic missiles, read Militarnyi’s article: “North Korea’s Missile Program with Russian Support: Ballistic Missiles.”

Recently, South Korea’s Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back stated during a hearing in the parliamentary defense committee that North Korea may have received technical assistance from Russia for the development of its submarine fleet.

During the military parade in Pyongyang, North Korea also presented its version of the American HIMARS rocket system.

The launchers are mounted on a three-axle truck chassis of an unknown model and are designed to carry two launch containers with munitions.

There was also a self-propelled launcher of unknown purpose with 22 guides, which could be used for launching both anti-aircraft and anti-tank missiles.