Ukraine Targets Fifth North Korean Artillery System in Ongoing Conflict
Ukraine has successfully targeted five North Korean artillery systems in a month. These systems are vital for Russian forces in prolonged combat in Donetsk. North Korea’s military support includes short-range missiles and thousands of troops. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are gaining momentum in neutralizing these threats, showcasing their operational effectiveness and resilience against Russian aggression.
Ukraine has successfully struck its fifth North Korean-supplied artillery system within a month, as reported on X, formerly known as Twitter, by Kyiv’s Unmanned Systems Forces (USF). The targeted self-propelled gun was currently deployed in the Donetsk region, where intense confrontations are ongoing between Russian and Ukrainian forces.
North Korea’s assistance to Russia in the conflict against Ukraine has been significant. In November 2024, Pyongyang provided over 100 short-range ballistic missiles, along with artillery shells, self-propelled howitzers, and multiple-rocket launchers. Moreover, between 10,000 and 12,000 North Korean troops have reportedly joined Russian forces at the front lines, suffering considerable losses.
The USF detailed in their X post that their operators from the 413th ‘Raid’ Battalion identified and neutralized an M-1978 ‘Koksan’ self-propelled gun on the Donetsk front. This action emphasizes the increasing success of Ukraine in disabling North Korean artillery systems, marking the fifth such instance in thirty days.
The M-1978 howitzer, described by the Center for International and Strategic Studies as a long-barreled weapon on a tank chassis, has a notable 170mm cannon capable of striking targets up to 60 kilometers away, thus constituting a substantial threat in the artillery landscape. The USF disclosed that since the commencement of the war, around 25,000 enemy artillery systems have been destroyed, leading to a scarcity of barrel artillery within the Russian military, which is now increasingly reliant on the Koksan systems supplied by North Korea.
On March 18, Ukraine’s 14th Separate Airborne Assault Rifle Regiment reported the identification and targeting of three additional Koksan systems in Kursk using High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) assets. The USF, a segment of Ukraine’s armed forces dedicated to unmanned systems and robotics in warfare, is increasingly showcasing its operational capabilities.
Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), noted that approximately 120 self-propelled guns were delivered by North Korea to Russia between late 2024 and early 2025. The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine confirmed via a post on X that another Koksan system was destroyed by the 413th UAS Battalion, emphasizing the effectiveness of their operations against North Korean artillery. Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, commended the collective efforts in neutralizing significant enemy equipment, reinforcing a narrative of resilience and determination among Ukrainian forces.
In summary, the recent strikes by Ukraine against North Korean artillery systems highlight the ongoing military support from North Korea to Russia and the effectiveness of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces. The use of advanced artillery systems by both sides underlines the complexity of this conflict. As Ukraine continues to dismantle these resources, the military landscape in the region is significantly influenced by external support and tactical innovations. The sustained efforts of Ukraine reflect a persistent drive to counter Russian military advancements.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
