The war in Ukraine still rages. The United States has just authorized kyiv to use long-range missiles in Russia. For their part, the Kremlin forces now have North Korean howitzers.
North Korean howitzers used in Ukraine war
As the conflict in Ukraine enters a new phase, one change is attracting the attention of military experts: the delivery of 50 M-1989 Koksan self-propelled howitzers from North Korea to Russia. According to Ukrainian military intelligence, the latter are now deployed on the battlefield. The M-1989 Koksan is considered one of the most powerful self-propelled howitzers in the world. Equipped with a 170mm cannon, it is capable of firing standard shells at a range of 40 kilometers and rocket-assisted projectiles up to 60 kilometers. Mounted on a tracked chassis, this equipment combines mobility and firepower, making it particularly effective in artillery warfare.
The exceptional range of this weapon makes it a valuable resource for Russia, which relies heavily on artillery in its operations in Ukraine. The deployment of these systems could allow Russian forces to target Ukrainian strategic infrastructure and supply lines from great distances, a crucial advantage as winter approaches.
The role of artillery in Russian strategy
Artillery is an essential component of Russian military strategy, focused on massive strikes to weaken enemy defenses. However, reports indicate that Moscow is facing significant shortages in its artillery stocks. The delivery of the M-1989 Koksan could compensate for these shortcomings, strengthening Russian offensive capabilities in key areas of the front.
According to Ukrainian military intelligence, this delivery marks an intensification of North Korean support for Russia. In fact, military collaboration between North Korea and Russia appears to be intensifying. Pyongyang has already deployed troops to support Moscow and could exchange military aid against economic or technological advantages. With approximately 8,600 artillery pieces in its arsenal, a large portion of which are self-propelled howitzers, North Korea has a robust artillery force. It remains to be seen what concrete contribution these howitzers make to the field.
