North Korea sends over 2 million mortar shells to Russia after Kim-Putin summit

Military and political observer Oleksandr Kovalenko notes this development.

"The bulk of the ammunition from North Korea consists of mortar shells," he says.

This supply could enable the Russian Armed Forces to fire up to 5,500 rounds daily, potentially supporting their operations for a year. However, significant concerns remain about the feasibility of this plan.

According to Kovalenko, the key issues include:

First, the quality of North Korean mortars is low. The ammunition and gunpowder charges are substandard, with an actual firing range of only 2-3 km, compared to the official 4-6 km. Accuracy is poor, many shells fail to detonate, and there is a high rate of barrel fouling.

Second, while 5,500 rounds per day might seem substantial, it falls short of the 15,000-20,000 rounds per day rate of mortar fire by the Russian Armed Forces in 2022. Currently, overall fire rates rarely reach 15,000 rounds per day using all available means.

Third, after three years of war, Russia's mortar resources have diminished. Without imports, the millions of shells from North Korea would be ineffective without adequate delivery systems. Therefore, shipments likely include not just ammunition but also 120 mm and 82 mm mortars.

“Despite these issues, North Korea-Russia cooperation remains a significant diplomatic challenge. The solution is military and involves increased support for Ukraine," the expert says.