North Korea’s military aid to Russia: current and future deliveries

Military and political observer Oleksandr Kovalenko shared his analysis on Obozrevatel.

In recent days, Russian propaganda has increasingly showcased North Korean weapon “upgrades” now in service with the invading Russian forces. These include not only the 170 mm Koksan self-propelled guns and 240 mm M1991 multiple rocket launchers, but also mortars, small rocket systems, and more.

Several types of North Korean weapons have recently started appearing more frequently in photos and videos shared by pro-Russian military channels and so-called Z-bloggers. Below is a closer look at each of these systems.

• 170mm Koksan self-propelled gun. It appeared in Russian service as a substitute for the depleted 203mm 2S7 Pion systems, especially for long-range fire on the Lyman axis. However, the Koksan underperforms in range, rate of fire, and shell power. Its unique design creates logistical dependence on North Korea for both ammo and maintenance, deepening Russia’s reliance on Pyongyang.

• 240mm M1991 Multiple Rocket Launcher System (MLRS). The rocket launcher first arrived in Russia in November 2024 to replace lost Soviet systems. About 120 units have been delivered, but are used less often than 170mm guns. Its usage is expected to grow as Soviet stockpiles dwindle.

• 60-mm mortar. In June, North Korean 60-mm mortars, exact copies of the Chinese Type 63, were confirmed in Russian forces. Though unusual for Russia, these mortars are valuable for assault, defense, and small-unit raids. North Korean troops that arrived in 2024 brought them. The Russian command sees them as important for platoon- and company-level units.
• 140-mm mortar. The mortar, originally developed by China in the 1960s as a heavier alternative to the 120mm but lighter than the 160mm, was adopted by North Korea with slightly reduced specs, including an 8 km range. Though not popular in China, it serves as a powerful battalion-level artillery weapon for North Korea, capable of threatening frontline positions when used effectively.
• 107mm multiple launch rocket system (MLRS). This specialized 107-mm rocket launcher is rare for Russian forces, but similar Western versions are used by Ukraine. Though it seems ineffective at first, a skilled 12-rocket salvo fired in 10 seconds up to 9 km can strongly support assaults, using both high-explosive and cluster munitions, which is effective against enemy troops.
• Pongae M-2020 SAM. It’s a North Korean analogue of Russia’s Tor-M2, which was verified in Russia’s Kursk region in January 2025 after a Russian drone mistakenly destroyed it. Its appearance shows Russia’s urgent need for short-range air defense, as Russia faces critical shortages in replenishing air defense losses.
• D-74 122 mm field gun. The only artillery piece matching Russian calibers was spotted in the Russian forces in January. Originally Soviet-made, production stopped decades ago, but North Korea resumed making copies, building a sizable arsenal, and adapting them for various chassis. Russians use these with North Korean shells, though the copies likely don’t meet original Soviet specs.

The analyst noted that Russia’s growing reliance on North Korean artillery with unique calibers highlights both its depleted stockpiles and serious ammunition supply issues, underscoring how North Korea’s support shapes the Russian military amid the prolonged war.