Rare North Korean self-propelled howitzer destroyed by Ukrainian troops - Video
Photo: North Korean M1989 Koksan self-propelled howitzer (KCNA)
Ukrainian forces on the front have destroyed a rare target — a North Korean heavy 180mm self-propelled howitzer M1989/M1991 Koksan, according to the 14th 14th Separate Regiment of Unmanned Systems.
According to the report, aerial reconnaissance units identified the position of the Koksan howitzer and adjusted fire from an American HIMARS multiple launch rocket system.
"As a result of the strike, secondary detonation of the ammunition occurred: the artillery system was completely destroyed, and six crew members were eliminated," the statement reads.
What is known about the Koksan self-propelled howitzer
The M1978 Koksan is a North Korean self-propelled artillery system, about which little is known. The name Koksan and the designation were given by the US military, as the system was first identified in 1978 in the Korean city of Koksan.
It is believed that the howitzer was developed based on captured German 170mm and Japanese 150mm guns transferred by the Soviet Union after the war. The system was first displayed in 1985 and has two known variants — the M1987 and M1989. The latter is used by Russia.
The first time the Koksans were spotted in Russia in October 2024, and the first confirmed destruction of the system took place on February 18, 2025.
In March 2025, the 413th Raid Battalion destroyed another Koksan in the Donetsk region, which was confirmed by video footage. According to the battalion, this marked the fifth howitzer of this type eliminated by drone strikes.
