Russia’s North Korean Koksan Artillery Destroyed in Ukraine for the First Time

For the first time since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a North Korean M-1978 “Koksan” self-propelled artillery system has reportedly been destroyed in combat, according to the press service of OSUV Khortytsia on February 18.

Fighters from the 412th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment “Nemesis” reportedly targeted the rare artillery piece in Luhansk region.

The 170mm Koksan has a firing range of up to 43 km with high-explosive shells and 54 to 60 km with rocket-assisted projectiles. It has a firing rate of two rounds every five minutes and is operated by an eight-member crew, including a driver, commander, gunner, and five loaders/ammunition carriers.

The Koksan was first observed in Russian service in October 2024, though its earliest combat use dates back to the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988).

Following the reported strike, fighters from “Nemesis” stated:

“We are adding another enemy military asset to the collection of ‘Nemesis’ achievements.”

Previously, it was reported that Russia’s reliance on North Korean military supplies has intensified. Reports indicate that over 50%, and in some areas more than 70%, of the ammunition and artillery shells used by Russian forces are sourced from North Korea.