North Korean artillery bolsters Russian front lines in Ukraine
Andriy Kowalenko, head of the Centre for Counteracting Disinformation at the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, reported that Russia is increasingly dependent on artillery supplies from North Korea. This is evident from the transfer of missiles and the M1978 Koksan guns.
"The delivery of M-1978 Koksan 170-mm self-propelled artillery systems to Russia and their shipment to Kursk region also indicates the loss of heavy artillery units by the Russian army and its shortage, so Moscow is increasingly relying on Pyongyang and becoming dependent," Kowalenko wrote on his Telegram profile.
M1989 Koksan in Russian service
The first photos confirming the delivery of the M1989 Koksan to Russia appeared on social media in November last year. Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, stated that North Korea has already supplied Russia with about 120 M1989 Koksan artillery systems. Videos showing subsequent deliveries, which Budanov believes could reach a similar level in 2025, are appearing on social media.
Defence analyst Jarosław Wolski also discussed the resort to M1989 Koksan, highlighting Russia's growing artillery problems. He noted that North Korean artillery systems are outdated weapons using an unusual calibre, so the Russians will have to rely exclusively on shells provided by their ally. From the perspective of Ukrainians, however, the data on the range of the M1989 Koksan, reaching even 50-60 kilometres, is concerning.
This is how North Korea arms Russia
Information disclosed by the South Korean Ministry of Defence indicates that the supply of artillery ammunition from North Korea to Russia is ample and rivals the support Ukraine can expect from the entire EU. It mainly involves 122 mm and 152 mm calibre artillery shells needed to service the most popular Russian systems, including the 2S3 Akatsiya, 2S5 Giatsint, and 2S19 Msta.
"More than 50%, and sometimes in certain areas more than 70% of artillery ammunition and mines are North Korean," added Kowalenko.
Additionally, Ukrainian positions and cities are also being attacked with KN-23 (Hwasong-11A) ballistic missiles. They resemble Russian Iskanders and have an estimated range of about 600 kilometres. Increasing support for Russia is also evident in the transfers of unusual 122 mm calibre artillery systems and the deployment of North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region, where they are fighting against Ukrainians.
