The Telegraph: DPRK To Send Russia More Than 100 Artillery Systems Designed To Destroy Seoul
4- 28.01.2025, 10:19
- 9,504
The hardware, according to analysts, is already on its way.
North Korea plans to hand over more than 100 artillery systems to Russia to be used on the frontline. These systems were originally created to destroy South Korean troops, The Telegraph writes.
The 170mm M1989 Koksan howitzers, one of the longest-range artillery systems in the world, known as ‘Juche guns’, were designed to shell the South Korean capital in the event of a military conflict.
Ukraine's military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said Pyongyang was preparing to double the number of artillery systems that have already been moved to Kursk region. The new deliveries are expected amid reports of regrouping North Korean troops that have been withdrawn from the front line to rebuild, while additional forces are expected to be deployed soon.
According to General Budanov, Kim Jong-un has handed over at least 120 M1989 Koksan artillery systems to Russia over the past three months, as well as 120 M1991 multiple rocket launchers. Speaking to The Warzone, he said Pyongyang was preparing a new shipment of hardware, which analysts say is on its way.
The M1989 Koksan is a 40-tonne self-propelled launcher that was first unveiled at a military parade in 1989. The standard shells of these guns can hit targets at a distance of more than 40 kilometres. Budanov noted that North Korean instructors are training the Russian military to work with these weapons, which are already being used in combat conditions.
At the end of December, the transportation by train of at least 10 M1989 Koksan howitzers to Russia was recorded. By 7 January, the units had likely arrived in Kursk region, where they were spotted on the battlefield. In one video, a North Korean soldier described the artillery system as a ‘gift’ from Kim for his military abroad.
DPRK's Combat Capabilities
North Korea has significant stocks of artillery and ammunition that have historically been stockpiled for a likely conflict with South Korea. In late October, the DPRK sent 11,000 troops to Russia to support its forces in Kursk region following the August Ukrainian invasion.
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said Pyongyang was preparing for further troop deployments into Russia. According to U.S. officials, new reinforcements could arrive within two months.
Despite signing a ‘mutual military assistance’ agreement between Moscow and Pyongyang last June, both sides have publicly denied direct involvement of the North Korean military in the war. At the same time, the Ukrainian side reported capturing two North Korean prisoners of war.
According to a spokesman for the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces, North Korean troops temporarily retreated from a number of positions, probably to regroup after significant losses. A commander with the call sign ‘Pulse’ suggested that these units are trying to reassess their tactics, looking after the wounded or waiting for reinforcements.
‘I think they will be back soon,’ the commander said, emphasising the high motivation of North Korean soldiers despite their heavy losses. At the same time, he added that these troops are an easy target because of their low training in modern warfare and their tactics similar to those used during World War II.
According to Western sources, about 1,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed and another 3,000 wounded in Russia's war against Ukraine.
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