North Korean Artillery in the Service of the Kremlin: Russia Receives 120 Coxan Self-Propelled Guns
10 June 2025 16:33
North Korea continues to supply Russia with a wide range of weapons, including artillery systems and rocket launchers, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
According to Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, Pyongyang has handed over 120 Koksan self-propelled artillery systems to Moscow, which are characterized by long range and high accuracy.
The head of the GRU, Kirill Budanov, noted that these units had performed well in combat, which could encourage further deliveries from the DPRK. He also emphasized that Russia has already agreed to produce Iranian Shahed-136 drones in North Korea.
This cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang is a matter of concern for the international community, as it indicates Russia’s growing military dependence on the DPRK and violation of sanctions restrictions.
What do we know about the Koksan?
The Koksan self-propelled artillery system is a North Korean self-propelled artillery system that is noted for its long range and power.
Main characteristics:
- Caliber: 170 mm
- Range: up to 40 km (conventional ammunition), up to 60 km (rocket-propelled projectiles)
- Chassis: modified chassis of T-54, T-62 or Type 59 tanks
- Rate of fire: 1-2 shots per 5 minutes
- Ammunition: 12 shells
- Engine: diesel, 400-500 hp.
- Speed: up to 50 km/h
- Crew: 7 people
History and combat use:
The Koksan self-propelled artillery system was developed in North Korea on the basis of German 170-mm guns that may have been transferred to the USSR in the 1960s. It was first spotted in 1978, and a modified version, the M1989, appeared in 1989.
This system was actively used during the Iran-Iraq war and could also be used in conflicts in Syria. So far, Russia has received 120 M1989 Coxan units from North Korea for use in the war against Ukraine.
The open turret leaves the crew of the self-propelled artillery system vulnerable to attack, but its long range allows it to fire from a safe distance.
This artillery system is one of the most powerful in the DPRK’s arsenal, although its design is gradually becoming outdated.
