Russia’s Use of North Korean “Koksan” Artillery in Ukraine: A Strange Alliance on the Battlefield
Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine has taken an unexpected turn with the deployment of North Korean-supplied weapons, notably the M-1978 “Koksan” 170mm self-propelled gun, a Cold War-era artillery system rarely seen outside North Korea. As of July 12, 2025, reports from Ukrainian intelligence, Western media, and posts on X confirm that Russia is using these unconventional weapons to bolster its artillery capabilities, amid dwindling domestic stockpiles. This blog explores the origins of the Koksan gun, its role in Ukraine, the broader North Korea-Russia military partnership, and the implications for the conflict and global security.
The M-1978 “Koksan” Gun: A Relic of North Korean Design
The M-1978 “Koksan,” named after the North Korean valley where it was first observed by Western intelligence in the 1970s, is a 170mm self-propelled artillery system mounted on a modified tank chassis, likely derived from Soviet-era T-62 or T-55 designs. With a range of up to 60 km using rocket-assisted projectiles, the Koksan is designed for long-range bombardment, capable of delivering high-explosive shells to distant targets. However, its accuracy is questionable, and its bulky design—lacking a rotating turret—limits its battlefield flexibility. Experts describe it as a “specialized, unwieldy weapon,” more suited to North Korea’s mountainous terrain than Ukraine’s open steppes.
The Koksan’s deployment in Ukraine was first reported in November 2024, when Russian Telegram channels, including @ZOV_Voevoda and @bayraktar_1love, shared images of the guns being transported through central Russia, likely toward the Kursk region. By May 2025, clearer footage emerged, showing the Koksan in action against Ukrainian positions, marking a rare instance of North Korean heavy weaponry on a modern battlefield. Its use alongside other North Korean systems, like the 107mm Type-75 multiple rocket launcher (MLRS), highlights Russia’s increasing reliance on Pyongyang’s arsenal.
Why Russia Is Turning to North Korean Weapons
Russia’s use of the Koksan and other North Korean munitions stems from its critical shortage of artillery shells and equipment, exacerbated by three years of intense combat in Ukraine. Since September 2023, North Korea has supplied Russia with over 20,000 containers of munitions, including an estimated 9.4 million artillery shells, 140 Hwasong-11 ballistic missiles, 170mm Koksan guns, and 240mm MLRS systems. Ukrainian intelligence and Western reports, including from Reuters and the Open Source Centre (OSC), indicate that North Korean shells constitute up to 60-70% of Russia’s artillery munitions at times, enabling sustained barrages against Ukrainian defenses.
The Koksan’s appeal lies in its compatibility with Russia’s Soviet-era artillery systems and its ability to deliver large payloads over long distances. However, its poor accuracy and outdated design have drawn criticism. Experts like Tianran Xu from the Open Nuclear Network note that North Korea likely supplied these systems to offload surplus or defective stock while testing newer weapons in combat. Ukrainian military sources report that North Korean munitions, including the Koksan, suffer from high dud rates and inconsistent performance, yet their sheer quantity compensates for these flaws, allowing Russia to maintain a 3-to-1 artillery fire advantage.
The Russia-North Korea Military Partnership
The Koksan’s deployment is part of a deepening military alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang, formalized in a June 2024 “comprehensive strategic partnership treaty” signed by Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un. This pact, which includes mutual defense commitments, has seen North Korea supply not only weapons but also 14,000 troops to fight in Ukraine, primarily in Russia’s Kursk region. In return, Russia has provided North Korea with fuel, food, and advanced military technologies, including air defense systems, anti-aircraft missiles, and data to improve missile guidance.
This exchange has raised alarms globally. South Korean intelligence suggests North Korea is using Ukraine as a testing ground to refine its weapons, with recent improvements in the accuracy of Hwasong-11 ballistic missiles (to within 50-100 meters) attributed to Russian battlefield feedback. The partnership also allows North Korea to gain combat experience for its troops and modernize its military, potentially destabilizing the Korean Peninsula. NATO’s Mark Rutte and the UN’s António Guterres have warned of the geopolitical risks, noting that this cooperation violates UN sanctions and could escalate the Ukraine conflict.
Impact on the Ukraine War
The Koksan’s deployment, while not a game-changer, has bolstered Russia’s ability to sustain prolonged artillery barrages, particularly in contested areas like Kursk and Zaporizhzhia. Ukrainian officials report that North Korean weapons have been used to “terrorize” cities, targeting civilian infrastructure in Kyiv and Kharkiv. The Koksan’s long range allows Russia to strike from safer distances, though its inaccuracy limits its effectiveness against precise targets. A Ukrainian military source noted that the Koksan’s “monstrous” size makes it vulnerable to drone strikes, as seen in a October 2024 attack on a North Korean arms depot in Russia’s Bryansk region.
The influx of North Korean munitions has also offset Russia’s production shortfalls. While Russia has ramped up domestic output, it struggles to match the war’s demands, with North Korean supplies providing a critical “bridging capacity.” However, Ukrainian forces have adapted, using drones and intelligence to target North Korean-equipped units, and Western allies are pushing for stricter sanctions to curb this arms flow.
Global Implications
The Russia-North Korea alliance, exemplified by the Koksan’s use, has far-reaching consequences:
- Korean Peninsula: North Korea’s access to Russian technology, including air defense and missile systems, enhances its military capabilities, raising tensions with South Korea and Japan. South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol has hinted at supplying lethal aid to Ukraine in response, a potential escalation.
- Sanctions Evasion: North Korea’s arms transfers violate UN Security Council resolutions, yet Russia’s veto power and China’s lax enforcement have weakened sanctions. Western leaders, including the UK and U.S., have condemned this, urging stricter controls on missile components.
- Global Arms Trade: North Korea’s ability to field-test weapons in Ukraine could lead to proliferation, with improved missiles potentially sold to rogue states or groups, threatening global stability.
Posts on X, such as those from @NOELreports and @wartranslated, reflect growing concern about North Korean weapons like the Koksan and Type-75 MLRS in Ukraine, with some users noting Russia’s reliance on these “strange” systems as a sign of desperation. These sentiments, while unverified, underscore public awareness of this unusual alliance.
Conclusion
Russia’s use of North Korea’s M-1978 Koksan artillery in Ukraine highlights a deepening, controversial partnership that has sustained Moscow’s war effort while modernizing Pyongyang’s military. The Koksan, though outdated and inaccurate, exemplifies North Korea’s role as a key supplier of munitions, with over 20,000 containers shipped since 2023. This alliance not only prolongs the Ukraine conflict but also raises alarms about North Korea’s growing capabilities and sanctions evasion. As the war continues, the international community faces the challenge of countering this axis while supporting Ukraine’s defense. For updates, refer to credible sources like The Guardian or Reuters.
Disclaimer: Information on North Korean weapons, including the Koksan, is based on Ukrainian, Western, and X reports as of July 12, 2025. Independent verification is advised due to the sensitive nature of the conflict.
