North Korean artillery deliveries bolster Russian forces
Deliveries of North Korean Koksan M-1989 and M-1978 howitzers have enabled Russia to partially regain capabilities lost due to the destruction of heavy artillery, such as the 203 mm 2S7 Pion howitzers and its modernised variant, the 2S7M Malka. The Ukrainians have identified the weak points of the Korean weaponry and know how to effectively neutralise it.
The M-1978 and M-1989 Koksan are North Korean, self-propelled howitzers with a 170 mm calibre. Approximately 120 units were delivered to Russia as part of North Korean support for the Putin regime. According to Ukrainian sources, North Korea also supplied Russia with multiple rocket launchers, the M-1991, in a 240 mm calibre.
Although these weapons' involvement in combat has been confirmed for months, it is unclear whether the equipment is operated by North Korean soldiers or was delivered to Russia without crews, to be manned by Russian artillerymen.
Despite similarities, there are significant differences between the artillery systems whose names reflect the year they were first observed (1978 and 1989).
The newer M-1989 howitzer resembles the Russian S7M Malka (S7 Pion) system. Thanks to its enlarged chassis, it can carry not only the howitzer but also its crew, as well as 12 shells.
The older M-1978 is built differently – on a short chassis, likely derived from a modified Type 59 tank (the Chinese version of the T-54), there is only the howitzer without any ammunition reserve. The crew and ammunition are located in a second, supplementary vehicle accompanying the M-1978.
How to destroy North Korean artillery?
As noted by the Ukrainians, the howitzer is incapable of independent operation – it requires the support of a vehicle that combines the roles of ammunition carrier and crew transporter. For this reason, neutralising the M-1978 in combat seems simpler – if it's not possible to destroy the howitzer itself, it's enough to target its ammunition vehicle.
It is also worth mentioning that deliveries of North Korean artillery further tie Moscow to cooperation with Pyongyang. Both the M-1978 and M-1989 use unusual 170 mm shells, which Russia does not produce. The ability to use the delivered artillery is thus dependent on ammunition supplies from North Korea.
