North Korea's powerful artillery reportedly arrives in Russia

The photos circulating on Russian social media offer new insight into the cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang. It remains unknown when and where they were taken. It's also possible that the photos have been distributed as part of Russian propaganda.

The "Koksan" artillery system is a self-propelled howitzer with a calibre of 170 mm, whose first units appeared in the 1980s. The modernised version, designated M1989, was introduced around 1989. It ranks among the most potent artillery systems in North Korea's arsenal.

This system was designed to target strategic objectives in South Korea, including military and urban installations in the border zone and the Seoul area. With its long range and calibre, the "Koksan" can operate beyond the reach of many enemy military systems, making it difficult to neutralise.

The exact specifications of the M1989 "Koksan" are not entirely disclosed. However, it's known that the range can be about 40-50 kilometres, depending on the type of ammunition, with a range of up to 60 kilometres when using special rocket-assisted projectiles (RAP). The howitzer is mounted on a tracked chassis, increasing its mobility and allowing for rapid movement, which is essential in military operations in rugged terrain.

Although it is not commonly used in direct conflicts, the "Koksan" has been observed in manoeuvres and military exercises organised by North Korea in recent years. This system has also appeared in Syria during the civil war, where government forces might have used it. Now, it has most likely been delivered to Russia, suggesting that North Korea has supplied it to some allied countries.