Ukrainian FPV Drones Take Out North Korean-Made M1989 Koksan Firing Toward Kupiansk, Video

Ukraine’s 429th Separate Unmanned Systems Brigade, known as “Achilles,” has struck a Russian self-propelled artillery system of North Korean origin—the M1989 Koksan—the unit said in a social media post on February 5.

The footage shows a reconnaissance drone locating the artillery position before three FPV drones were launched to strike the target.

According to the brigade, the enemy system had been firing toward Kupiansk from territory in the temporarily occupied Luhansk region.

The M1989 Koksan is the conventional designation for a roughly 40-ton self-propelled artillery platform produced in North Korea and first observed during a military parade in the city of Koksan in 1989.

The system uses an unusual 170-mm gun caliber that, combined with an extended barrel length, enables long-range fire.

Available data suggests the platform can reach targets at distances of up to 40 kilometers using standard shells, while rocket-assisted munitions may extend the range to nearly 60 kilometers.
Its estimated rate of fire is one to two rounds every five minutes.

The strike highlights Ukraine’s continued reliance on drones to detect and destroy long-range artillery systems supporting Russian operations along the front.

Earlier, reports emerged that North Korean military personnel continued to take part in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, fighting alongside Russian forces and gaining hands-on experience in modern combat.

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