Ukrainian Forces Successfully Destroy North Korean Howitzers in Kursk Region
Ukrainian forces destroyed three North Korean howitzers in the Kursk region, as reported by the Unmanned Systems Forces Command. The artillery, hidden in a forest, was targeted by drone operators and struck by Ukrainian rocket artillery. This incident marks the second confirmed destruction of Koksan howitzers in the conflict, as the Russian military seeks to offset significant losses.
The Unmanned Systems Forces Command reports that Ukrainian forces have successfully destroyed three North Korean howitzers in the Kursk region. These artillery systems, provided to the Russian military as aid from North Korea, were concealed in a forest to hinder detection. The Russian forces also implemented protective measures such as installing grills to ward off FPV drones.
Drone operators played a crucial role in identifying the hidden Koksan howitzers, which were subsequently attacked by Ukrainian rocket artillery using high-explosive and cluster warheads. This operation marks the second successful engagement with these self-propelled howitzers during the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, following a previous strike carried out by the 412th NEMESIS Regiment in Luhansk just a month prior.
The M1978 Koksan howitzer is recognized as the longest-range artillery system in North Korea’s arsenal, equipped with a 170-mm gun capable of hitting targets up to 60 kilometers away. Originally designed to target South Korea from the demilitarized zone, this artillery is now being repurposed by Russian forces in their ongoing conflict against Ukraine, potentially seeking to mitigate their significant artillery losses.
As reported by Ukrinform, there have been a total of 76 combat encounters between Ukrainian defenders and Russian forces by March 18, with intensified fighting reported in six areas, particularly in the Kursk region.
In summary, Ukrainian forces have demonstrated effective military capability by destroying three North Korean howitzers in the Kursk region. This incident highlights the continued reliance of the Russian military on foreign artillery systems, as well as the proactive measures taken by Ukraine to monitor and engage these threats. The ongoing conflict shows no signs of abating, with increased clashes being reported in various regions.
Original Source: www.ukrinform.net
