North Korean 170 mm self-propelled gun, known as the Koksan, has been observed in the russian forces’ positions near Kreminna in Luhansk region.
The Koksan is a long-range artillery platform developed by North Korea in the 1970s. It is notable for its ability to fire at ranges of up to 60 kilometers with rocket-assisted projectiles. Despite this advantage, the system has operational limitations, including a slow rate of fire and limited onboard ammunition storage.
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The presence of this system in the Kreminna area suggests its use in long-range indirect fire missions, likely aimed at rear Ukrainian positions or counter-battery operations. The forested terrain and static nature of fighting in this sector make such artillery systems tactically useful, even if outdated.
It remains unknown how many of these systems russia has received or how they are being deployed. Their use could be experimental or a temporary measure to compensate for the depletion of other long-range assets. The logistics of maintaining and supplying such foreign equipment may also pose challenges.
As Defense Express previously reported, a military train loaded with North Korean Koksan self-propelled guns (SPGs) was recently spotted at a railway station in the northern part of Crimea, according to Crimean Wind. The train, which carried 7-8 SPGs along with military transport trucks, underscores the continued mobilization and logistical efforts related to these artillery systems.
Defense Express also reported that FPV drone operators of the Terra aerial reconnaissance unit, part of Ukraine’s 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, detected and struck the M1989 Koksan self-propelled gun of North Korean origin.
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