Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries shift Russia's gaze toward North Korean air‑defense aid

Following the Ukrainian drone attack on the Tuapse refinery, a discussion about the necessity of acquiring anti-aircraft systems from North Korea transpired among Russian commentators on Telegram. Intriguingly, the Russian Ministry of Defense is allegedly in talks for the same, per various commentators.

Russia is having difficulties securing an area within approximately 621 miles of Ukraine. One temporary solution to this gap is to seek aid from Kim Jong-un. However, it's worth mentioning that although North Korea's assistance has been diligent, it has traditionally supplied equipment of low quality. This trend will likely continue.

Data available from reports, such as "The Military Balance," indicate that air defense in North Korea is relatively weak. The country mainly relies on cannon systems paired with handheld anti-aircraft systems like Strela-1/2, its Chinese counterparts HN-5, 9K38 Igla-1, and self-propelled Strela-10 sets.

Such handheld sets can target objects approximately 3 miles away and up to 2.5 miles high. In the best-case scenario, they can be used against helicopters, attack aircraft, or drones, although the latter is not cost-efficient.

Regarding cannon systems, one can find ZPU family mounts that utilize large-caliber machine guns KPW cal. 14.5x114 mm (up to four). This setup can effectively counter drones, as demonstrated by Ukrainians hunting Shaheds. Additionally, the Koreans have developed a fire control radar for these that outperforms human detection of moving targets.

23 mm anti-aircraft guns represent another tier of defense in the form of towed ZU-23-2 or self-propelled units like ZSU-23-4 Shilka, capable of targeting flying objects just over a mile away.

The DPRK also possesses larger caliber weapons, such as the 57 mm S-60 cannons introduced in the USSR during the 1950s. These can engage targets 2.5 miles away, with some models having a fire control radar extending the range to about 3.7 miles. The result is a system akin to Gepard's capabilities.

Additionally, 85 mm or 100 mm anti-aircraft guns like the KS-12 or KS-19 could be employed. Still, these World War II relics are marginally effective against current airborne targets and are better suited for artillery.

While these are not impressive capabilities, North Korea has many of these types of systems. This can be beneficial in providing point defense against basic drones for critical locations in Russia.