North Korean missile launcher

North Korea has provided Russia with a significant amount of artillery systems and ammunition for the fighting in Ukraine. According to analysts and official sources, the transferred weapons include M1989 howitzers and M1991 rocket launchers, which significantly enhance the capabilities of Russian artillery.

The capacity of North Korean art systems

• The M1989 how itzers use 170mm shells weighing 45kg, which can cover a distance of up to 40km.
• TheM1991 miss ile launchers are capable of launching 240mm missiles weighing 85kg at a distance of up to 60km.

Analysts note that these artillery systems are capable of hitting frontline Ukrainian cities, including Kharkiv, which is only 25 miles (about 40 km) from the Russian border.

Insufficiency of Russian artillery

Russia has lost more than 400 multiple launch rocket systems since the start of the full-scale invasion. Even the active decommissioning of old systems does not compensate for these losses. Against this background, Moscow is increasingly relying on military assistance from North Korea.

International threats

According to the head of the Ukrainian Centre for Countering Disinformation, Andriy Kovalenko, the DPRK handed over to Russia:

• 100 artillery systems;
• millions of artillery shells;
• dozens of KN-23 ballistic missiles, each weighing 7,500 pounds (over 3.4 tonnes).

The M1991 missile systems are also deployed along the DPRK’s border with South Korea and are capable of firing at Seoul, which is 60 km from the border. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), these systems are a key threat to South Korea.

Expert opinion

Forbes analyst David Axe emphasises that North Korean systems can significantly affect the intensity of Russian attacks, especially in the frontline areas of Ukraine. At the same time, their use highlights the critical state of Russia’s military infrastructure and dependence on foreign aid.

Ukraine’s defence forces are preparing to meet new challenges, including the firepower provided by the M1989 and M1991 systems.