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Ukrainian Troops Crush Russian Assets in South, Knock Out Elusive North Korean Koksan Supergun

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Photo of Vlad Litnarovych
Vlad Litnarovych
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Ukrainian Troops Crush Russian Assets in South, Knock Out Elusive North Korean Koksan Supergun
Illustrative image. North Korean 170mm M1989 Koksan artillery system during drills. (Photo: open source)

Fierce fighting continued in southern Ukraine on July 3, with Ukrainian forces reporting the destruction of a rare North Korean-made Koksan self-propelled artillery system, along with dozens of other Russian assets, the Southern Defense Forces announced on Telegram on July 4.

According to the update, the Ukrainian Army struck and destroyed the 170mm M1989 Koksan system—an extremely long-range artillery piece originally developed by North Korea.

The platform, first observed at a 1989 military parade in the city of Koksan, is notable for its unique caliber and firing range.

The Koksan is capable of reaching targets up to 40 kilometers away with standard shells and up to 60 kilometers using rocket-assisted projectiles, significantly outmatching the range of all current Russian towed and self-propelled artillery systems deployed on the front.

Only the Soviet-era 203mm 2S7 “Pion” comes close when using similar enhanced ammunition.

In addition to the Koksan, Ukraine’s air defense units shot down 18 Iranian-designed Shahed attack drones in the southern region.

Over the past 24 hours, Russian forces also lost:

  • 34 troops;

  • 7 howitzers;

  • 10 vehicles;

  • 1 boat;

  • 3 Supercam reconnaissance drones;

  • 1 Russian electronic warfare system “Kapjushon” (“Hood”);

  • 3 communications antennas;

  • 35 dugouts;

  • 2 field ammunition depots.

Earlier, Ukrainian intelligence warned that North Korea was preparing to significantly expand its military presence in support of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

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