Is the state of Russian ICBMs worse than of those from North Korea? – Technology Org

In fact, North Korea seems to have accumulated relatively solid experience in the field of the development of ICBMs, or intercontinental ballistic missiles. What about the Russian Federation?

Sarmat missile being installed into a launch position. Image from open sources via Defense Express

In the former Soviet Union, intercontinental ballistic missiles were the main component of its military strength during the Cold War. But these times are long gone, and the latest data indicates that Russian long-range missiles have not received any efficient update since then.

Economic sanctions cannot be blamed for this fact, because they were imposed on Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine only fairly recently. But the lack of skilled engineers and stable funding can hit the industry worse than the lack of components necessary to produce these weapons.

Recently, different media sources revealed that the Russian military tried to test Sarmat, a prototype model of their new intercontinental ballistic missile. The obvious intention was to demonstrate technological capabilities and military strength before Vladimir Putin announced that his country suspends participation in START-III, the strategic arms reduction treaty.

Testing of Sarmat missile. Image from open sources via Defense Express

But the test failed.

Of course, a single failed test does not mean that they cannot make a new project. But if we look more broadly, the North Korean military program seems to be a naturally suitable comparison. Why? Well, these countries both use the same or nearly identical sources of components: North Korea sources most parts for their missiles from the Russian Federation, Belarus, and China.

But over the past year, Russia conducted only two tests or their new Sarmat prototype, and only one was successful. Meanwhile, their counterparts in North Korea launched at least 5 ICBMs (including Hwasong-15 and Hwasong-17 models) during the same period, and apparently, all their tests were successful.

Ceremonial demonstration of North Korean ICBMs such as Hwasong-15. Illustrative photo from open sources via Defense Express

It is also known that North Korea is close to developing its own solid-fuel ICBM, similar to the Russian version named Topol, which was revealed on February 8, 2023.

These are the reasons why North Korea is being seen as increasingly threatening to the United States. Despite the fact that their technological basis is nearly identical, the military development capabilities of the Russian Federation seem to have taken a step or two back.