North Korean Koksan Artillery Guns Detected in Crimea: Escalation of Military Involvement

North Korean Koksan artillery guns have been observed in Crimea, suggesting increased involvement in the Ukraine conflict. Photographs reveal military transportation of these systems, indicating logistical support from North Korea. Their deployment in Crimea could lead to potential ground troop engagement, complicating the situation further and posing new threats to Ukrainian forces.

Recent reports indicate the presence of North Korean 170mm “Koksan” artillery guns in Crimea, suggesting an escalation of Pyongyang’s involvement in Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. Photographic evidence shared by the Crimean Wind Telegram channel has documented a military train transporting several self-propelled artillery systems within northern Crimea, drawing attention to new military logistics in the region.

The military cargo included a Sinotruk Howo truck, known to have participated in North Korean military parades, although its specific function remains uncertain. Speculation centers on whether it serves as a transporter for multiple launch rocket systems or for the Koksan artillery, potentially involved in operations with 170mm artillery shells, significantly affecting the conflict dynamics.

The Koksan artillery is noted for its extensive firing range, reaching up to 60 kilometers with rocket-assisted ammunition, making it a formidable threat in the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian forces have reportedly countered by destroying five Koksan units using advanced drone technology. Yet, there are indications that North Korea may have supplied as many as 200 such artillery units to Russia, marking a noteworthy extension of its military support.

Historically, North Korean forces have operated solely within recognized Russian borders, particularly in Kursk Oblast. However, the confirmed deployment of Koksan artillery in Crimea raises concerns about the potential for North Korean ground troops to engage actively on Ukrainian territory, thus deepening their involvement and shifting the perception of North Korea from supporter to direct participant in the conflict.

Strategic assessments from sources including German broadcaster ZDF highlight the implications of Koksan artillery’s positioning in Crimea, which enhances Russia’s military capacity to strike significant Ukrainian cities. Their analysis points to a forthcoming Russian offensive possibly utilizing these new artillery systems as a centerpiece of their operations.

The ongoing conflict has seen Ukraine decimating over 25,000 Russian artillery systems since the invasion began, leading to a notable reliance on North Korean weapons to replenish resources. Observations indicate that North Korean-supplied ammunitions now constitute a substantial percentage of Russian artillery use in eastern Ukraine, revealing the intense collaboration between the two nations as the conflict endures.

The emergence of North Korean Koksan artillery systems in Crimea potentially signifies a pivotal shift in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Should North Korean ground troops also be deployed, the dynamics of the war could drastically alter, marking a transition from indirect support to direct engagement. This development poses significant implications for Ukrainian defense and may influence the broader strategic landscape of the region.

Original Source: www.kyivpost.com