Ukrainian Intel Reveals Russia Is Deploying 120 North Korean Long-Range Artillery Units

Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (HUR), uncovered extensive details about North Korea’s artillery support for Russia in his interview with The War Zone on June 7. Ukrainian intelligence now estimates that Pyongyang has delivered 120 long-range systems to Russia—which have already been deployed across multiple front-line sectors.

Budanov said, “The range of weapons that North Korea provides to Russia is quite wide, ranging from 122-mm D-74 howitzers and 107-mm infantry MLRS systems to 240-mm MLRS and 170-mm M1989 self-propelled artillery guns. Unfortunately, this gun is quite good in combat. It shoots from a fairly long distance and has good accuracy rates.” 

He added that intelligence indicates 120 of these systems were delivered and that further shipments are likely given their proven effectiveness in long-range operations.

Spanning from the 122-mm D-74 to the 170-mm Koksan, this mixed battery of artillery and rocket systems combines complementary roles on the battlefield:

• The Soviet-designed D-74 howitzer delivers sustained fire up to 24 km (15 miles), firing 6–7 rounds per minute with a variety of shell types;

• The lightweight 107-mm Type 63 MLRS supports a 12-rocket salvo reaching roughly 8.5 km (5.3 miles) in range;

• Heavier 240-mm launchers such as the BM-24 unleash a dozen sizeable rockets in rapid succession to ranges of about 10 km (6.2 miles);

• At the far end of the spectrum, the M-1989 Koksan self-propelled gun can lob precision or rocket-assisted shells out to 40–60 km (25–37 miles) at a deliberate cadence of one to two rounds every five minutes.

In addition to artillery pieces, Kyiv’s military intelligence reports that millions of rounds, including 122 mm and 152 mm shells, have also been supplied, sustaining Russia’s artillery.

Earlier, it was reported that Russia and North Korea reached an agreement to build Shahed-style UAV production lines on North Korean territory, allowing Pyongyang to manufacture strike drones domestically. With Russia already churning out 2,000 Shaheds monthly and aiming for 5,000, North Korea could soon field or export large numbers of these attack UAVs, stretching South Korea’s defenses.

Fundraiser For Peaceful Nights

$1,500,000 towards 10 Ukrainian AI-Controlled Turrets.

Donate