North Korea floods Russia with ammo: 6.5 million shells, hundreds of artillery systems

North Korea has emerged as the main supplier of artillery ammunition and weapons systems to Russia, according to Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service. 

In a statement provided to LIGA.net, the intelligence said that the transferred weapons reportedly include multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), self-propelled guns, howitzers, and mortars. Specifically, the shipment consists of:

• Several self-propelled launchers for KN-23/24 short-range ballistic missiles and KN-25 600mm MLRS,
• Around 120 units of M-1991 240mm multiple launch rocket systems,
• Roughly 120 units of M-1989 Koksan 170mm self-propelled howitzers,
• About 100 units of D-74I 122mm towed howitzers,
• Approximately 100 units of M-1982 140mm mortars,
• At least 165 units of Type 63 107mm multiple rocket launchers.

Despite the reportedly low quality of some of this equipment, Ukrainian intelligence says the cooperation remains mutually beneficial.

“While Russian military assessments suggest that certain models of North Korean artillery are less effective and harder to maintain, the military-technical partnership between North Korea and Russia is advantageous for both sides,” the intelligence agency said.

 “North Korea gets to test and refine its domestically produced weapons under modern battlefield conditions, while Russia uses the supply to offset its combat losses.”

• North Korea may deploy additional military units to support Russia as early as July or August 2025, amid deepening military and technical cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.