[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] 'North Korean Rocket Artillery' Lost to Ukraine... Strengthening North Korea-Russia Ties

122mm Multiple Launch Rocket System for Russian Support
Seized by Ukraine and Used in Attacks on Russia
North Korea May Transfer Military Reconnaissance Satellite Technology in Exchange for Russian Support

Foreign media reports that the Ukrainian military is using North Korean-made weapons have revealed the reality of North Korea's suspected arms support to Russia. On the 27th, coinciding with North Korea's Victory Day (Armistice Agreement Day), North Korea showed signs of strengthening its alliance with Russia, and there are also prospects that North Korea could receive satellite technology from Russia as it plans to relaunch a military reconnaissance satellite.

According to foreign media reports on the 31st, the Ukrainian artillery units are using the 'Grad multiple launch rocket system BM-21,' which was introduced from the former Soviet Union, just like North Korea, and are using North Korean-made 122mm multiple launch rocket projectiles. The Ukrainian units using North Korean rockets are one of the artillery units supporting attacks against Russian forces on the northern and southern flanks of Bakhmut.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

The rocket projectile photo released by foreign media shows the marking ‘Bang-122.’ ‘Bang’ is the North Korean term for multiple launch rockets, ‘Bangsap’o.’ The 122mm projectiles are intended for the Bangsap’o deployed by North Korea to frontline units to strike Seoul and other metropolitan areas. North Korea also used these rockets during the 2010 Yeonpyeong Island shelling provocation.

The biggest drawback of these rockets is their high dud rate. Most North Korean rockets were manufactured in the 1980s and 1990s. Since the rockets are over 30 to 40 years old, there is a high probability that the rockets may explode prematurely before launch. According to foreign media, Ukrainian artillery personnel have blocked reporters’ access, citing the very high dud rate of these weapons.

Although the method of transporting rockets from North Korea to support Russia is unknown, the most likely method is by ship. It was reported that North Korean ammunition was being transported by ship and was seized by a ‘friendly country’ before being delivered to Russian forces within Ukrainian territory.

Rail transport is also possible. However, using rail requires crossing Siberia, which is a long distance with slow speed and limited transport capacity, posing constraints on arms support.

Russia denies the arms allegations, but the prevailing view is that arms support from allies such as North Korea and Iran will continue. North Korea showed signs of strengthening its alliance with Russia on the occasion of the 70th Victory Day anniversary. Some speculate that on the 27th, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited North Korea, and the two sides may have discussed arms deals. Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, welcomed the Russian military delegation led by Minister Shoigu, attending almost all events over three days, including a weapons exhibition, commemorative performances, meetings and dinners, a commemorative report meeting, and a military parade, demonstrating close ties. As North Korea plans to relaunch a military reconnaissance satellite on September 9, the 75th anniversary of the regime’s founding, there are also prospects that satellite technology could be transferred from Russia.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.