Operators from Ukraine's Achilles 429th Unmanned Systems Brigade have successfully struck North Korean-made Koksan self-propelled artillery system, according to a video released by the brigade on February 5.
The footage shows the moment the artillery platform was hit while conducting fire missions from temporarily occupied territory in Ukraine's Luhansk region. At the time of the strike, the Koksan system was reportedly firing in the direction of Kupiansk, a key frontline area subjected to sustained russian artillery pressure.
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⚡️«АХІЛЛЕС» уразив північнокорейську САУ «Коксан» Екіпажі 429 бригади «АХІЛЛЕС» уразили самохідну артилерійську установку «Коксан». САУ вела вогонь в напрямку Купʼянська з тимчасово окупованої території Луганської області. «Коксан» – північнокорейська 170-мм САУ, яка… pic.twitter.com/UiWkcyMzxw— 429 окрема бригада БпС «АХІЛЛЕС» (@achilles_429) February 5, 2026
The engagement underscores the growing role of Ukrainian unmanned systems units in counter-battery operations, particularly against high-value and long-range artillery assets. Drone-guided strikes have become a critical tool for detecting, tracking, and neutralizing enemy fire positions beyond the immediate front line.
The Koksan is a 170 mm self-propelled artillery system developed by North Korea and is considered one of the longest-range tube artillery systems in the world. Depending on ammunition type, it is assessed to have a firing range of up to 40-60 kilometers, allowing it to threaten targets deep behind the front line.
Originally designed during the Cold War, Koksan system was intended to provide North Korean forces with the ability to strike fortified and rear-area targets. Its appearance in the war against Ukraine highlights the increasingly international nature of russia's military supply chains amid ongoing sanctions and battlefield losses.
Previous intelligence assessments have indicated that North Korean artillery systems and ammunition have been transferred to russia to compensate for shortages in conventional firepower. The use of such systems in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territory suggests their integration into russian artillery units operating in the east of Ukraine.
As Defense Express previously reported, a crew operating the Leopard 2 main battle tank from Ukraine's 155th Brigade has eliminated remnants of russian infantry attempting to establish positions on the eastern outskirts of the village of Hryshyne.
Footage of the combat operation was released via the official channel of the 7th Rapid Response Corps, providing visual confirmation of the engagement and its outcome.
Read more: Ukrainian Leopard 2 Crew Clears Hryshyne's Eastern Outskirts of russian Infantry (Video)
