Another Echelon of Koksan Artillery Systems Spotted in Russia

19 December, 2024 An echelon of Koksan self-propelled artillery systems to Russia. December 2024. A frame from the video of the Exilenova+ telegram channel.

Another train of North Korean long-range 170mm M1989 Koksan howitzers was spotted being transported by rail in Russia. The video was shared on Thursday, December 19, by the Exilenova+ Telegram channel. The exact date and location of the video remain unknown.

The short clip does not capture the entire train, but over ten artillery pieces are visible. The equipment's silhouette and the distinctive five-roller tracked chassis confirm the presence of M1989 Koksan self-propelled howitzers produced by North Korea. The supply of these weapons to the Russian occupation army is part of the cooperation between Russia and North Korea.

The first photo of the North Korean M1989 Koksan self-propelled artillery system in Russia, November 2024

For the first time, the movement of Koksan howitzers on Russian territory was recorded in November 2024.

Back then, an echelon of these artillery pieces was caught on video in the Russian city of Krasnoyarsk.

Koksan

M1989 Koksan is the conventional name for a 40-ton self-propelled artillery system made in North Korea, which was first seen at a parade in the city of Koksan in 1989. This artillery system uses a rather unique 170-mm caliber, which, in combination with a long barrel, provides a long range.

North Korean artillery system M1989 Koksan during training in the DPRK

According to available data, the range of firing conventional projectiles from this self-propelled system is 40 kilometers, while for active-reactive munitions this figure is close to 60 kilometers. The probable rate of fire is 1-2 shots every 5 minutes.

This range of the Koksan is far beyond the capabilities of all available Russian cannon artillery used at the front.

It can only be matched by the Soviet 203-mm 2C7 Peon cannon when using active-reactive projectiles.