Ukrainian forces have reported another successful strike against russian artillery, this time targeting rare North Korean-supplied systems. Operators of the Unmanned Systems Forces destroyed four Koksan self-propelled guns in operations across Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia regions.
The mission was carried out by soldiers of the Nemesis 412th Regiment of the Unmanned Systems Forces. Using reconnaissance and strike drones, they identified and engaged the artillery pieces. One of the targets was eliminated in coordination with other units of Ukrainian forces, highlighting joint operational effectiveness.
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The Koksan is a 170 mm self-propelled artillery system developed in North Korea. Entering service in the 1970s, it remains one of the longest-range conventional tube artillery systems in the world, capable of firing up to 40 km with standard rounds and as far as 60 km with rocket-assisted projectiles. Despite its age, the system poses a significant threat due to its reach.
Russia began fielding these North Korean weapons in Ukraine after suffering heavy losses in its own artillery arsenal. According to open-source intelligence, Moscow received a number of Koksan guns as part of military assistance packages from Pyongyang, supplementing dwindling stocks of Soviet-era and russian systems.
The reliance on North Korean artillery underscores the scale of russia's attrition. Ukrainian strikes have destroyed thousands of russian artillery systems since the full-scale invasion began, forcing Moscow to turn to countries like North Korea and Iran for replenishment.
As Defense Express previously reported, special operations deep inside enemy territory again showcased Ukraine's ability to strike where the occupier felt safe. A joint operation by fighters from the 73rd Maritime Special Operations Center together with operatives of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine carried out a special reconnaissance mission in a region of the russian federation, setting the conditions for a decisive ambush on moving enemy transport.
The engagement ended with the destruction of the vehicle and the death of three russian servicemen.
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