Russian reliance on North Korean artillery raises concerns
Photos have appeared on social media confirming that the Russian army fighting in Ukraine is using North Korean M1989 Koksan self-propelled howitzers. Although some experts believe this is a clear signal to the world showcasing the declining state of Russian artillery, for Ukrainians, it may present additional problems.
By the end of 2024, photos began circulating of transports of this type of North Korean self-propelled howitzers in Russia. This was perceived as another form of support being provided to Moscow by Pyongyang. Within a few weeks, the equipment appeared on the front lines in Ukraine.
M1989 Koksan in Russian service
The M1989 Koksan is the most powerful self-propelled field gun in North Korea's arsenal. It is equipped with a 170mm calibre gun with a barrel length of 50 calibres.
According to publicly available data, it can strike targets at a distance of up to 40km (25 miles) or even 60km (37 miles) with special ammunition. This range significantly surpasses that of the post-Soviet 122mm and 152mm artillery on which Russian units in Ukraine are reliant.
The quality of North Korean weapons sometimes raises doubts
However, the M1989 Koksan is one of those North Korean pieces of equipment about which experts have significant doubts regarding its quality and actual capabilities, primarily due to its age and the unusual shells required. Consequently, Russians wishing to continue using the M1989 Koksan become entirely dependent on supplies from North Korea.
"A very unusual calibre, a very unusual location - the Russians are having a hard time with artillery after two years of war," wrote defence analyst Jarosław Wolski on his profile on X, commenting on the photos of the M1989 Koksan transports.
Some experts, however, assess that any reinforcements from North Korea are valuable for the Russians and dangerous for the Ukrainians. They argue that even if parts of the shells or rockets are faulty, the rest will hit the targets. In the case of the M1989 Koksan, the crucial factor is that it is artillery that has proven to be the most important weapon in the war in Ukraine, long-term more valuable than many more modern pieces of equipment.
The head of Ukrainian intelligence, Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, revealed in January that Russia might have already received about 120 M1989 "Koksan" artillery systems. This year's deliveries could reach similar levels.
