What North Korean artillery is capable of
North Korean artillery exercises in 2017. Units using different types of equipment take part in the shooting
The armed forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea occupy one of the leading places in the world in terms of the number of artillery systems. Their arsenal includes several thousand guns of various calibers and types, which are capable of inflicting fire on the enemy at a great distance.
Given the geographical features of the two Koreas, artillery becomes a particularly important tool. Long-range guns can successfully carry out strategic missions.
According to various estimates
It is well known that the DPRK very carefully hides information about its armed forces, their weapons, etc. Therefore, most of the information about the Korean People's armies (KPA) comes from foreign intelligence agencies and other sources. This information is of an estimated nature and does not always correspond to the real state of affairs. However, unofficial sources are interested in obtaining the most accurate data on the DPRK and the KPA and make every effort to do so.
According to known data, the land forces troop The KPA has two artillery corps. One of them is deployed in close proximity to the border with South Korea and the demilitarized zone. In the event of a new conflict, the 620th Artillery Corps and other units will be the first to engage in combat.
The two artillery corps consist of a total of about 30 brigades, divided into smaller formations. The exact number of regiments, divisions and brigades remains unknown. According to various estimates, the KPA may have several thousand artillery batteries equipped with cannon and rocket systems of various types. Moreover, the most numerous, for obvious reasons, are units with guns.
155-mm self-propelled gun mod. 2018
North Korea's artillery forces have several factories at their disposal in different cities of the country. These factories produce new systems and products for artillery, as well as overhaul existing equipment.
In addition, North Korea has a developed ammunition industry. Thanks to this, the country has accumulated large reserves of artillery rounds, which are constantly replenished.
Range of weapons
The exact number of artillery pieces possessed by the Korean People's Army (KPA) is unknown. However, there are different estimates. For example, the popular reference book “The Military Balance” for the current year indicates that the total number of barrel and rocket systems may exceed 21 thousand units.
Of these, approximately 5,5 thousand are multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), and the remaining three quarters are guns, howitzers and mortars. It is assumed that the number of mortars is 7,5 thousand units. These are systems with a caliber from 82 to 160 millimeters, both wearable and towed. The weapons in service are Soviet-made models or their copies made in Korea. As far as we know, no new mortar models are being developed.
Thus, the total number of artillery pieces can reach 8,6 thousand units. This number includes both towed and self-propelled systems of various origins. Several main calibers are used, some of which were carried over from Soviet artillery: 122, 130, 152, 155 and 170 millimeters.
The towed artillery is equipped with various systems manufactured in the USSR. At one time, the Soviet army transferred to the KPA a number of outdated systems, such as M-10, D-1, A-19 or ML-20 howitzers with calibers of 122, 130 and 152 millimeters. Later, more modern guns were supplied, such as the D-30. The Korean army and industry maintain the technical condition and combat readiness of these weapons by regularly using them in various exercises.
Self-propelled gun "Tocchon" M1974 with a 152-mm howitzer
In the past, the DPRK independently produced towed guns, but in recent decades it has switched to producing self-propelled artillery units (SPG). The first examples of such installations appeared in the 1970s and 1980s. They were based on foreign chassis and guns.
Then the DPRK was able to master the full cycle of development and production of self-propelled guns, abandoning finished imported products. New self-propelled guns with various features are regularly demonstrated at parades and exhibitions. Often the official name of these installations remains unknown, and they are given a conditional index according to the year of their first appearance.
Most self-propelled guns are equipped with 122 or 152 mm caliber guns. A few years ago, a 155mm system was first introduced, presumably based on a similar Chinese project.
Of particular interest is the “Juche-po” product in two main modifications, also known under the foreign name “Koksan”. This self-propelled gun is equipped with a long-barreled 170 mm gun, which provides a greater firing range and projectile power.
Tactical and strategic
Thus, the Korean People's Army has a powerful and well-developed artillery weapons system, which includes a variety of models with different characteristics and capabilities. Thanks to this, guns of different types can be used to solve a wide range of tasks, both on a tactical and operational-tactical scale. This is especially true for the region, given its specifics.
Mortars of all calibers available in the arsenal of the DPRK army have a firing range of no more than 8 km. They are intended for use on the battlefield or from closed positions in close proximity to the front line. Targets for mortars can be located either on the first line of enemy positions or at a short distance from it.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visits an artillery unit equipped with Juche-po self-propelled guns
Howitzers of all major types can perform similar missions, but they have different ballistics and range characteristics, which allows them to hit targets at greater distances.
For example, a D-30 howitzer with a conventional projectile can hit targets at a distance of up to 15,3 km, and with an active-reactive projectile - up to 20-22 km. Modern 152-mm systems are capable of sending a projectile over a distance of 25-30 km.
Special-power artillery, such as 170-mm systems, has a firing range of at least 40 km, and with active-reactive ammunition - up to 55-60 km. At the same time, 170 mm shells are significantly heavier and carry a larger charge than other ammunition.
The 620th Artillery Corps includes units and subunits equipped with all or almost all types of current artillery. In the event of a full-scale conflict, they must reach the state border to support troops and attack targets deep in enemy territory. In such conditions, some howitzers will have to solve problems of an operational-strategic nature.
The fact is that the capital of South Korea, the city of Seoul, is dangerously close to the border with the DPRK. The optimal artillery positions on North Korean territory are located at a distance of no more than 40-45 km from the center of Seoul. The distance to the northern part of the city and facilities there is even shorter.
Various administrative, military and industrial facilities fall within the range of the guns of the Korean People's Army. A well-orchestrated artillery attack could cause serious damage to the South Korean capital and its military and dual-use infrastructure. It should be taken into account that such a raid can involve not only cannon systems, but also rocket systems, as well as full-fledged missile systems.
It is not difficult to imagine what the consequences of a massive artillery attack would be: it would damage the enemy’s military and administrative infrastructure, as well as lead to collateral destruction. If the fighting continues, the KPA may launch an offensive, and the guns will support it, destroying infrastructure in the enemy's close rear.
Thus, North Korea's artillery poses a serious danger to its hostile neighbor and is a means of strategic deterrence. A potential adversary is aware of the risks it faces and therefore does not seek open conflict.
On the Korean Peninsula, long-range weapons play the same role in the military-political sphere as nuclear warheads and their delivery vehicles.
For security
Since its formation, the DPRK has existed in rather difficult conditions. Its closest neighbors are potential adversaries, and behind them lies an even more serious military and political force.
The DPRK can count on help from friendly countries, but basically it has to ensure its security on its own. Its defensive strategy and military development plans are based on this.
In the interests of the Korean People's Army (KPA), there was a constant improvement in all major branches of the military, including artillery. Artillery developed, and part of it even became an element of the strategic deterrence system.
Apparently, the leadership of the KPA and the DPRK will not give up such ideas and concepts, which to a certain extent will help maintain peace on the peninsula.
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