North korean howitzers arrive in Russia as artillery struggles persist
Deliveries of North Korean Koksan M-1989 and M-1978 howitzers have allowed Russia to partially regain capabilities lost due to the destruction of heavy artillery such as the 203 mm 2S7 Pion howitzers and its modernized variant, the 2S7M Malka. Ukrainians have discovered the weak point of the Korean weapon and know how to effectively neutralize it.
The M-1978 and M-1989 Koksan are North Korean self-propelled howitzers with a 170 mm caliber. About 120 units were delivered to Russia as part of North Korean support for the Putin regime. According to Ukrainian sources, North Korea also supplied Russia with multiple rocket launchers, the M-1991 in 240 mm caliber.
Although the involvement of these weapons in combat has been confirmed for months, it is unknown whether the equipment is operated by North Korean soldiers or was delivered to Russia without crews, to be manned by Russian artillerymen.
Despite similarities, there are significant differences between the artillery systems whose names indicate the year they were first spotted (1978 and 1989).
The newer M-1989 howitzer resembles the Russian S7M Malka (S7 Pion) system. Thanks to its enlarged chassis, it can carry not only the howitzer but also its crew, as well as 12 shells.
The older M-1978 is built differently—on a short chassis, probably from a modified Type 59 tank (Chinese version of T-54), there is only the howitzer without any ammunition reserve. The crew and ammunition are located in a second, additional vehicle accompanying the M-1978.
How to destroy North Korean artillery?
As noted by the Ukrainians, the howitzer is incapable of independent operation—it needs the support of a vehicle that combines the roles of ammunition carrier and crew transporter. For this reason, neutralizing the M-1978 in combat seems simpler—if there is no possibility to destroy the howitzer itself, it's enough to target its ammunition vehicle.
It is also worth noting that deliveries of North Korean artillery further bind Moscow to cooperation with Pyongyang. Both the M-1978 and M-1989 use atypical 170 mm shells, which Russia does not produce. The ability to use the delivered artillery is thus dependent on ammunition supplies from North Korea.
