North Korean ‘Koksan’ Artillery Guns Sighted in Crimea: Implications for the Ukraine Conflict
North Korean 170mm ‘Koksan’ artillery has been spotted in Crimea, indicating increased involvement in the Ukraine conflict. Observations include military trains transporting these guns alongside support vehicles. The artillery poses a significant threat due to its extended range, and there are concerns regarding future deployments of North Korean ground troops, potentially escalating the situation further.
Recent reports indicate that North Korean 170mm “Koksan” artillery guns have been identified in Crimea, an area occupied by Russia, which may suggest an increasing involvement of Pyongyang in the conflict against Ukraine. On March 26, a military train capturing 7-8 self-propelled artillery systems was spotted in northern Crimea by the Crimean Wind Telegram channel, along with a supporting truck that originated from North Korea.
The vehicle, a Chinese Sinotruk Howo, has been previously observed during military parades in North Korea, leading to speculation regarding its function. Sources have suggested it could be utilized as a transport-loading vehicle for the North Korean M1989 Koksan artillery or potentially for the 240mm M1991 multiple launch rocket system (MLRS). According to reports by German broadcaster ZDF, the Koksan artillery has been notably effective during past assaults on Ukrainian forces.
The extended range of the Koksan artillery, which can reach up to 60 kilometers when utilizing rocket-assisted projectiles, poses a significant threat, as Ukraine’s HIMARS and GLSDB systems are among the few capable of countering such artillery. While Ukrainian forces have successfully destroyed several units of this artillery type, it is reported that North Korea may have dispatched as many as 200 units to assist Russia.
While North Korean troops have thus far remained within Russia’s internationally recognized borders, their confirmed presence in Crimea might signal a shift in strategy, potentially marking an escalation in North Korean involvement in the ongoing war. Analysts suggest that if North Korean ground troops are deployed to support the Koksan artillery positioned within occupied Ukraine, it would signify a substantial transition in the conflict dynamics between the nations.
The positioning of Koksan artillery in Crimea raises concerns over potential strikes on critical Ukrainian cities, including Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. Observers speculate that this movement could be indicative of preparations for an expansive upcoming Russian military offensive. Previous Ukrainian strikes on North Korean artillery units have already occurred, highlighting the ongoing tensions and losses on both sides.
The emergence of North Korean ‘Koksan’ artillery guns in Crimea signals a potential escalation of the DPRK’s role in the war against Ukraine. Reports suggest that the positioning of these systems may facilitate future military offensives, especially as North Korean ground troops could be deployed to support them. The ongoing conflict presents challenges to both Ukrainian defenses and Russian military operations, further complicating the geopolitical landscape of the region.
Original Source: www.kyivpost.com
