Background Information
North Korea has been the cause of much tension lately, primarily because of its ballistic missile capabilities and its long-range missiles that can reach around the world. However, it is not always fully clear where North Korea gets its missiles from and what foreign nations help them develop them. Over the years, North Korea has developed a number of missile platforms that have somewhat surprised the world. Although they are still considered outdated compared to modern-day rockets, they are indiscriminately dangerous and threatening. In 2018, North Korea conducted their longest-range missile test, posing a dangerous threat to their neighbors and other parts of the world.
Russia
North Korea has had a good relationship with Russia since the Cold War days. Both countries have a long-standing relationship in terms of economic ties, science and technology, military ties and nuclear weapons. Russia has been providing North Korea with military training, technology and weapons, especially when it comes to missiles. A South Korean news agency reported that Russian technicians had been spotted entering North Korean shipyards in 2018, with the aim of helping the country build powerful long-range missiles. Russia has also been accused of selling North Korea weapons and missile components, as well as providing guidance on how to construct and operate their missiles.
China
China and North Korea have a long and complicated history. During the Korean Conflict, China was North Korea’s closest ally and since then they have shared many different projects and collaborations. China has been accused of providing North Korea with missile technologies and components, making it the second most important supplier. China has denied any such allegations, although it is no secret that North Korea has purchased a lot of their weapons and military equipment from China. Furthermore, reports show that China has provided North Korea with materials to build their own missiles, although they have not actively helped them construct the missiles.
Iran
Iran’s involvement with North Korea’s missile program is less clear, but there are reports that suggest a connection between the two countries. It is believed that both countries have a long history of missile technology exchange and that North Korea has even purchased components for its missiles from Iran. According to some reports, it is also believed that North Korea helped Iran develop its long-range missiles, although this has never been confirmed.
United States
It may come as a surprise, but the United States has been one of the main suppliers of North Korea’s missile program. In the past, the US sold North Korea a number of missile parts that are now being used in their weapons. In fact, the US is believed to be the source of some of North Korea’s most sophisticated missile parts and technologies. It is also believed that the US and North Korea have had a number of exchanges of technologies and expertise over the years.
Sanctions
The United Nations has imposed sanctions on North Korea in an effort to prevent the country from acquiring more missile technology from abroad. The sanctions restrict international trade, finance and military access to North Korea. This in turn, limits North Korea’s ability to acquire or develop more powerful missiles. While these sanctions have been effective at limiting North Korea’s access to international resources and technologies, they have not been able to stop the country’s progress in its missile program.
North Korea’s Domestic Missile Program
North Korea has been able to make advances in its missile program without the help of foreign countries. The country has made strides in its own missile technology and has managed to develop a number of missile platforms over the years. North Korea has also been able to acquire some elements and materials for their missiles domestically, as well as develop their own means of transport for their missiles.
Military Exercises
North Korea has conducted a number of missile tests and military exercises over the years, some of which have been in response to military threats from the United States and other countries. These tests and exercises have given North Korea the opportunity to test out new technologies and refine their weapons. During such exercises, North Korea has been able to improve the range and accuracy of their missiles, as well as the speed at which they can be launched.
Foreign Military Assistance
Although North Korea does not rely on foreign countries for its missile technologies, it is believed that the country has received a lot of help. For example, North Korea is believed to have received assistance from Russia, China and Iran in the past. North Korea is also believed to have received some help from the US in the past, although it is highly unlikely that such help is being provided today.
Sea-Based Missile Technologies
North Korea has been working on its sea-based missile technology for some time now, in order to improve its overall missile capabilities. North Korea has been able to develop a number of sea-based missiles on its own, as well as acquire foreign technologies. In 2018, North Korea conducted its first successful test of a sea-based intercontinental ballistic missile, showing its capabilities in the process.
Long-Range Missile Technology
North Korea has been working on its long-range missile technology for some time now and it has made a number of advancements in the past few years. The country has been able to develop its own ICBMs and has even managed to conduct tests of such missiles. These missiles are capable of reaching targets as far away as the United States and other parts of the world. North Korea has likely received help in developing these missiles from foreign sources, but the exact extent of such help is not known.
Nuclear Weapons
The North Korean government has long stated that it has the capability to develop nuclear weapons. Although it is not known exactly what progress North Korea has made in its nuclear weapons program, it is suspected that the country has made significant progress. North Korea is believed to have received assistance in developing its nuclear weapons from foreign countries and most likely has the capability to produce a nuclear device.
Conclusion
It is clear that North Korea has been able to make significant advances in its missile technology and arsenal, although the exact source remains unknown. While sanctions have been in place to try and limit North Korea’s access to foreign resources, these have not been able to stop the country’s progress in its missile program. North Korea is believed to have received help from both Russia and China, as well as other foreign countries. It is also believed that North Korea has been able to develop its own weapons and missile platforms over the years. It is clear that North Korea has been able to make great strides in its missile program, and it is likely that this progress will continue in the future.
