Russian Forces Begin Using Outdated North Korean Type 73 Machine Guns

In November 2024, social media photos surfaced showing Russian forces in possession of North Korean-made Type 73 machine guns, which were first produced in the 1970s.

According to Defense Express, the Type 73 machine gun is believed to be based on the Soviet PKM, with design elements reminiscent of the Czechoslovakian Vz.52 machine guns, such as the ability to attach a box magazine. Despite its origins, the Type 73 was considered outdated by North Korea itself, having been replaced by the more modern Type 82 in the 1980s. The Type 82 is nearly identical to the Soviet PKM.

Since its introduction, the Type 73 has been widely exported, particularly to the Middle East. It has been reported that pro-Iranian forces in Syria have used these machine guns. Given these export patterns, it is highly probable that Russia obtained the Type 73 machine guns not directly from North Korea but through intermediaries, possibly from Iran.

The Type 73 uses the 7.62×54 mmR cartridge, with a fire rate of 600-700 rounds per minute. It weighs 10.6 kilograms. The appearance of these machine guns in Russian hands may indicate emerging difficulties with the supply of small arms for Russian forces.