North Korea to Double Down on Russia's War Effort with More Artillery, Missiles, and Troops

North Korea to Send More Artillery Systems to Russia

North Korea is set to send another tranche of artillery systems to Russia, according to Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's military intelligence agency, GUR. Budanov told The Warzone that Pyongyang has already provided Russia with at least 120 M1989 "Koksan" self-propelled howitzers and 120 M1991 multiple-launch rocket systems. These deliveries were made over the last three months, and Budanov expects another shipment of similar size to follow.

Both artillery systems are North Korean-developed, with the M1989 using a 170-mm caliber gun and the M1991 employing a 240-mm system. These are more advanced than the 1970s-era North Korean weaponry Russia was observed using in 2024. Budanov confirmed that both systems are being used against Ukrainian troops, with North Korea assisting in training Russian operators.

In addition to the artillery, North Korea is expected to send another 150 short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, following the 148 sent in 2024. Western and South Korean intelligence agencies also report that Pyongyang has deployed around 12,000 troops from its elite "Storm Corps" units to Russia. These troops have reportedly suffered heavy casualties since arriving in Kursk in late 2024, with Western officials estimating 4,000 killed or wounded.

While North Korea's support may seem small compared to Russia's overall war effort, it provides a valuable source of manpower and weapons. This aid could potentially frustrate Western hopes that Moscow's reliance on defense spending will become unsustainable for its economy. The Kremlin's defense budget has surged for the third consecutive year since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, reaching 32.5% of its federal budget in 2025.