On December 21, 2024, armored vehicle researcher Andriy Tarasenko shared a video on his Telegram channel Btvt.info, highlighting a significant development in the ongoing military collaboration between Russia and North Korea. The footage shows what appears to be the transport of North Korean KN-15 Pukguksong-2 ballistic missiles and M1989 Koksan 170mm self-propelled howitzers being moved into Russia, likely intended for deployment in the war against Ukraine.
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Video footage shared on Telegram by Andriy Tarasenko shows what appears to be North Korean KN-15 Pukguksong-2 ballistic missiles being transported by train for delivery to Russia, likely in support of Russian military operations in Ukraine. (Picture source: Telegram)
While the video’s quality makes it challenging to identify the vehicles definitively, their notable resemblance to known North Korean missile systems, particularly the KN-15 Pukguksong-2 ballistic missile launchers, strongly suggests a major arms shipment being delivered to Russian forces.
This delivery is part of a broader trend of increasing defense cooperation between Russia and North Korea, which has intensified since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Moscow, facing depleting stockpiles due to the prolonged conflict, has turned to North Korea for military supplies, which are seen as essential to sustaining Russia's military operations. The new shipment, consisting of advanced missiles and artillery systems, is just the latest in a series of arms transfers that have included more than 100 artillery systems, ballistic missiles, and millions of artillery shells.
Since the war began, North Korea has played a growing role in supporting Russia’s military efforts. According to intelligence reports, North Korea has supplied over 100 pieces of artillery to Russia, including 170mm M-1989 Koksan self-propelled howitzers and 240mm M-1991 multiple rocket launchers. These systems are crucial to Russia’s artillery-heavy tactics in Ukraine, where long-range bombardment and fire support are key elements of its military strategy. In addition to the artillery, North Korea has reportedly delivered more than 5 million artillery shells and 100 short-range ballistic missiles, including the KN-23 and KN-24 types, which have already been used in attacks on Ukrainian positions.
Reports have also surfaced indicating that North Korean soldiers have been deployed to assist Russian forces on the ground. According to intelligence from Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (DIU), over 11,000 North Korean personnel are stationed in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, with some reportedly taking part in combat operations against Ukrainian forces. These soldiers may be helping to operate North Korean artillery systems, providing training, or directly assisting in military engagements. Their involvement represents a new and direct form of support for Russia in its fight against Ukraine.
The KN-15 Pukguksong-2 ballistic missile is a medium-range missile that has been developed as part of North Korea’s advanced missile arsenal. With a range of 1,200 to 2,000 km, the Pukguksong-2 can strike deep into Ukrainian territory, hitting major cities, military bases, and critical infrastructure far from the frontlines. This missile could potentially be used to target strategic locations in Ukraine, including military command centers and vital supply routes. Furthermore, the Pukguksong-2 is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads, offering a flexible and highly potent strike capability.
One of the key advantages of the Pukguksong-2 is its solid-fuel propulsion system, which makes the missile more mobile and easier to deploy compared to traditional liquid-fueled systems. Solid fuel allows for quick launches with minimal preparation, enabling rapid strikes against targets and reducing the risk of interception. This feature gives the missile a significant edge, as it can be launched from mobile platforms, making it harder to detect and destroy before launch. Given the current dynamics of the conflict, where both sides rely heavily on missile strikes and counter-strikes, quickly launching a ballistic missile and evading enemy detection is a major operational advantage.
The Pukguksong-2 is also designed for precision, making it a dangerous weapon capable of accurately striking specific targets. While it may not match the level of precision offered by more advanced Western missile systems, it is still highly effective for long-range strikes. The missile’s flexibility, combined with its range, provides Russian forces with the ability to threaten Ukrainian positions across the country, far beyond the immediate frontlines, complicating Ukraine’s defense strategies.
The increasing flow of advanced North Korean arms to Russia, including the KN-15 Pukguksong-2 and M1989 Koksan howitzers, further complicates the already dire situation for Ukrainian forces. These deliveries represent a substantial escalation in the military threat facing Ukraine, particularly as Russia continues to prioritize artillery and missile systems in its strategy. The addition of more powerful and precise weapons systems, along with North Korean-trained personnel operating them, is expected to strain Ukraine’s ability to counter Russian offensives and to defend critical infrastructure.
The expanded military partnership between Russia and North Korea has wide-reaching implications for the war in Ukraine and for global security. North Korea’s support of Russia provides the latter with the arms and ammunition it desperately needs to continue its military operations while also strengthening the ties between two of the world’s most isolated and sanctioned regimes. The continued flow of North Korean weapons, including missiles, artillery systems, and ammunition, will likely allow Russia to sustain its military momentum, prolonging the conflict and intensifying the challenges for Ukraine’s defense.
Furthermore, the involvement of North Korean soldiers on the frontlines raises concerns about the future trajectory of the war. North Korean personnel may bring with them specialized knowledge of operating North Korean military systems, offering Russia a boost in its artillery and missile capabilities. The direct engagement of North Korean troops also suggests a deeper level of involvement that could escalate the conflict further, especially if these troops engage directly with Ukrainian forces.
As the situation evolves, the international community will be closely watching the unfolding developments. The growing military support from North Korea to Russia is likely to provoke strong responses from Western powers, who are already deeply involved in providing military aid to Ukraine. Sanctions and diplomatic measures may be intensified as a result, but the supply of arms from North Korea to Russia underscores the increasingly complex and global nature of the war.
The delivery of KN-15 Pukguksong-2 ballistic missiles and artillery systems is just one of many challenges facing Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s ongoing aggression. The involvement of North Korean forces, alongside the advanced weaponry being supplied, marks a significant shift in the dynamics of the conflict, with potentially far-reaching consequences for both the immediate battlefield and the broader geopolitical landscape.
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