Since October, North Korea has started supplying military equipment to Russia. According to the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), more than 100 artillery systems of various types and 100 KN-23/24 short-range ballistic missiles were moved to Russia.
Delivery details
The first deliveries began on 3 October. Among the transferred equipment:
- 170 mm self-propelled artillery systems M-1989 Koksan;
- M-1991 240-mm multiple launch rocket systems.
As of November, the DPRK has also supplied Russia with the same:
- more than 5 million large-calibre artillery shells;
- more than 100 short-range ballistic missiles of the KN-23/24 type.
Possible targets and location of equipment
More than 60 units of 170 mm M-1989 Koksan self-propelled artillery systems have already been moved to the territory of the Russian Federation. According to the GUR, some of these systems are likely to be delivered to the Saratov Higher Military Artillery School (VAKU). This may indicate that personnel are being trained to use this equipment.
The condition of the equipment is unknown
The DIU notes that there is currently no information on the technical condition of the artillery systems received, which may affect their effectiveness in combat.
These deliveries indicate increased military cooperation between the DPRK and Russia amid the war in Ukraine, which is a cause for concern for the international community.
