Forbes reports that a Ukrainian strike, employing HIMARS, possibly damaged three North Korean M1989 howitzers in Kursk Oblast. The Koksan artillery system, notable for its impressive range, has been a key component of North Korea’s military support to Russia. Despite previous losses, Ukrainian forces continue to engage Russian and North Korean troops, indicating ongoing conflict and shifting dynamics.
According to Forbes, the Ukrainian 14th Regiment of Unmanned Aerial Systems may have inflicted damage on three North Korean M1989 howitzers during a coordinated strike. On or just before March 18, Ukrainian drone operators identified the artillery hidden in treelines in Kursk Oblast, Russia. They communicated the coordinates to a local battery equipped with High-Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), which launched at least one M30 rocket that detonated, dispersing submunitions onto the targets.
The M1989 Koksan is a formidable 40-ton self-propelled artillery piece developed by North Korea, revealed in a 1989 parade. It is notable for its 170-mm caliber, allowing for an impressive range of fire, with conventional shells reaching up to 40 kilometers, and active-reactive rounds extending to 60 kilometers. Reports indicate that North Korea has supplied Russia with numerous military assets, including M1989 howitzers and other artillery systems.
Prior to this recent strike, Ukrainian forces had already destroyed at least one M1989 and a number of Bulsae-4 anti-tank launchers. In a notable incident, a Russian drone operator mistakenly targeted a North Korean air defense system. While Ukrainian forces in Kursk faced significant pressure, a notable counterattack by the Rubicon Center of Advanced Unmanned Systems compromised their supply lines, compounded by a second wave of North Korean troops.
Despite suffering notable casualties, the strife resulted in a Pyrrhic victory for Russian and North Korean troops in Kursk. Reports suggest high casualties on both sides, although Ukrainian forces experienced relatively lighter losses. The prolonged conflict indicates a fraught bargaining position for Ukraine in potential future negotiations due to the recent defeats.
In summary, the coordinated strike by the Ukrainian 14th Regiment may have adversely affected three North Korean howitzers amidst escalating tensions in Kursk. The damage to the M1989 artillery systems illustrates ongoing hostilities in the region, where both sides have incurred significant losses. The tactical challenges faced by Ukrainian forces during this period highlight the complexity of the ongoing conflict and its implications for future negotiations.
Original Source: euromaidanpress.com
