North Korean howitzers bolster russian artillery amid shortages
In Russia, near the town of Tyumen, a train carrying heavy equipment from North Korea was observed, including M-1989 "Koksan" howitzers and launchers with ballistic missiles. This is the result of Kim Jong Un's regime supplying arms to Russia.
The DPRK continues to support Russia with weapon supplies. In addition to ammunition, tank parts from the T-62 family, and light weapons, the North Koreans are also providing M-1989 "Koksan" howitzers and Pukguksong-2 ballistic missiles.
Importing howitzers from North Korea is crucial for Russia, given their limited stockpiles and production capabilities for artillery barrels. By contrast, in terms of artillery equipment, the DPRK possesses, for example, M-1989 "Koksan" howitzers capable of striking targets up to 40-60 kilometers away. This capability is comparable to the modern 155 mm systems provided to Ukraine by Western nations, such as the German PzH-2000 or the Polish Krabs.
M-1989 "Koksan" - large range and impact but mediocre accuracy
Conceptually, this artillery piece is similar to the 2S7 Pion howitzers. However, for the Koksan, the North Koreans opted for a 170 mm caliber gun with a barrel about 11 meters long. This gun was mounted on the chassis of a locally modified T-54/55 family tank, creating a 36-tonne howitzer with considerable firepower.
It fires shells weighing approximately 60-100 kilograms at a range of around 40 kilometers, or 60 kilograms for variants with a rocket booster. Accuracy is not a strength of this weapon, but a shell containing several dozen kilograms of TNT can cause significant damage wherever it lands. These guns were originally designed as an economical solution to bombard Seoul from secure positions.
The rate of fire is estimated at 1-2 rounds per 5 minutes, and the crew comprises six soldiers. Even though it is an outdated weapon, it can be effective with a sufficient firing rate. The Russians have no alternative, and the Koksan is better than having no option.
