Russian Forces Hit Their Own Air Defense System Transferred From North Korea

Russian forces have likely damaged a North Korean air defense system (ADS) transferred to them, according to reports by the Russian Telegram channel War Zone on January 12.

The incident reportedly occurred in Russia’s Kursk region, with the system initially misidentified by propagandists as a Western-made radar station. The damage was inflicted using an FPV drone, with video and photographic evidence allowing analysts to compare the silhouette of the targeted equipment to that of a North Korean ADS.

Despite the low-quality imagery, the characteristics of the damaged system resemble features of the North Korean short-range air defense system, including its deployment platform, radar station placement, and structural design.

While ballistic missiles and artillery systems have been previously identified as part of this transfer, the possibility of air defense systems being supplied underscores Russia’s growing reliance on such equipment. This may be linked to significant losses of Russian ADS due to FPV drones, precision-guided artillery, and GMLRS rockets.

The North Korean system in question was first unveiled at a military parade in Pyongyang on October 10, 2020. Classified by South Korean and US experts as a short-range air defense system mounted on a semi-trailer, its design features suggest similarities with systems like the Russian Tor and Chinese HQ-17.

Earlier, reports emerged on January 7, 2025, indicating that North Korean 170mm M1989 Koksan self-propelled artillery systems have reached the frontlines. A video, filmed by a Russian serviceman, showed one of the artillery units at a concealed firing site. The system, marked for railway transport, was described as a “gift” from North Korea.