As of 2024, North Korea’s military strength remains centered on its formidable artillery capabilities, with approximately 8,600 towed and self-propelled artillery pieces in its arsenal. This extensive inventory underscores the strategic importance of artillery in the Korean People’s Army (KPA), both as a deterrent and a cornerstone of its conventional military doctrine. Among these, self-propelled howitzers stand out, blending mobility with superior firepower, and recent developments have brought their role into sharp international focus.
One of the most recognizable names in North Korea’s artillery lineup is the M1978 Koksan. Introduced in the late 1970s, this 170mm self-propelled gun is renowned for its extraordinary range, capable of firing rocket-assisted projectiles up to 60 kilometers. Its successor, the M1989 Koksan, features enhanced mobility and firepower, built on a tracked chassis that allows rapid repositioning even in rugged terrains.
The M1989 is particularly notable due to its recent association with reports of military support to Russia. Ukrainian military intelligence and the British Financial Times reported that Pyongyang delivered 50 units of the M1989 Koksan to Moscow, marking an escalation in North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict. Although the delivery has yet to be independently confirmed, the implications of such an arms transfer are profound.
M1991 and M2018 Series
Another critical component of North Korea’s self-propelled arsenal is the M1991, a 152mm howitzer based on the Soviet D-20 towed gun. Mounted on a tracked platform, the M1991 balances firepower with mobility, making it a versatile system for battlefield deployment.
The more modern M2018 series, first unveiled during military parades, includes 122mm and 130mm self-propelled guns housed in fully enclosed armored turrets. These designs reflect North Korea’s ongoing efforts to modernize its artillery forces, incorporating improved crew protection and firepower. While details about the production scale of these systems remain scarce, they signify a strategic focus on maintaining a versatile and potent artillery force.
M1989 Koksan in Russia
The M1989 Koksan, with its exceptional range and destructive capabilities, presents a strategic advantage for Russian forces. If confirmed, its deployment in Ukraine would align well with Russia’s artillery-centric approach to warfare, which has played a pivotal role in its operations since the onset of the conflict in 2022.
The M1989’s ability to fire standard shells up to 40 kilometers and rocket-assisted rounds up to 60 kilometers makes it ideal for targeting Ukrainian supply lines, infrastructure, and fortified positions from extended distances. This range could provide Russian forces with a significant tactical advantage, allowing strikes beyond the effective reach of many Ukrainian counter-battery systems.
Additionally, these howitzers could address a reported shortage in Russian artillery stocks, offering a much-needed boost in operational zones where heavy bombardment is central to strategy.
Military Collaboration: North Korea and Russia
The delivery of artillery systems marks a deepening military partnership between North Korea and Russia, reflecting broader geopolitical realignments. Reports of North Korean troop deployments, potentially numbering in the thousands, have also surfaced, suggesting a multifaceted approach to aiding Moscow.
For Pyongyang, the benefits of this partnership likely include economic aid, technological transfers, and potential support in circumventing international sanctions. Moscow, facing growing isolation due to Western sanctions, gains a new lifeline through North Korean support, underscoring the reciprocal nature of their alliance.
This burgeoning relationship has raised alarms in the West, as it symbolizes a shift in the global strategic landscape, with authoritarian regimes increasingly cooperating to counterbalance Western influence.
If the reports of North Korean artillery transfers are accurate, the arrival of M1989 Koksan howitzers would present a formidable challenge for Ukrainian forces. These long-range systems could compel Ukraine to reevaluate its counter-battery strategies, as existing defenses might struggle to neutralize threats operating from such extended distances.
To mitigate the impact of the Koksan systems, Ukraine would likely need to:
- Enhance Intelligence Gathering: Precise targeting of Koksan positions would require improved reconnaissance capabilities, including aerial drones and satellite imagery.
- Upgrade Counter-Battery Systems: Investing in advanced artillery detection radars and long-range strike capabilities could help neutralize these threats.
- Strengthen Air Support: Coordinated airstrikes could target mobile artillery platforms before they become operational.
While Ukraine’s allies have provided extensive military aid, including advanced artillery and air defense systems, the deployment of the Koksan howitzers might necessitate further assistance, particularly in counter-battery and surveillance technologies.
Verifying the Claims
Despite the gravity of the situation, independent verification of the M1989 Koksan’s presence in Ukraine remains elusive. Neither visual evidence nor operational data has surfaced to confirm their deployment, prompting skepticism among open-source analysts and international observers.
Ukrainian officials have acknowledged the possibility but emphasized the need for additional intelligence to substantiate the claims. As monitoring continues, the situation remains fluid, with potential shifts in battlefield dynamics depending on the accuracy of these reports.
North Korea’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict highlights its willingness to leverage military support as a tool for advancing its strategic objectives. By aligning with Russia, Pyongyang seeks to:
- Strengthen its Economy: Sanction relief or direct economic aid from Russia could help mitigate the impact of international sanctions on North Korea’s economy.
- Gain Technological Transfers: Access to Russian military technology could support North Korea’s ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces.
- Assert Global Relevance: Participation in a major international conflict allows Pyongyang to project itself as a key player on the global stage.
For Ukraine’s allies, the prospect of North Korean artillery on the battlefield intensifies the urgency of countering the Russia-North Korea alliance.
- Strengthening Sanctions: Expanding economic sanctions to target North Korea’s arms industry and its international collaborators.
- Diplomatic Measures: Increasing pressure on nations that may facilitate or turn a blind eye to North Korean arms transfers.
- Enhanced Military Aid to Ukraine: Providing Ukraine with advanced counter-artillery systems and reconnaissance tools to neutralize the new threat.
