North Korea for Russia: rumors about the Pulse-4 missile system in the Russian army
Presumably, the Pulse-4 complex belonging to the Russian army
The topic of military-technical cooperation between Russia and the DPRK attracts attention and becomes the basis for the emergence of various rumors. Previously, possible deliveries of North Korean ammunition and operational-tactical missile complexes. Now, the tactical self-propelled missile system "Pulse-4" is mentioned in a similar context.
Single frame
Rumors about Russian-Korean contracts for the supply of various weapons and ammunition appeared last fall. The reason for them was the official visit of the head of the DPRK Kim Jong-un to Russia. Foreign media, citing their sources, claimed that the purpose of the visit was negotiations on future supplies.
Unnamed sources then claimed that the Russian army had depleted its reserves and wanted to replenish them with North Korean products. For example, the possibility of purchasing anti-tank missile systems of the Pulse (Phoenix) series was mentioned.
In the spring of 2024, Ukrainian resources began to report that the Russian army had allegedly received and was using North Korean-made anti-tank systems. At the same time, worthy evidence, as always happens, was not provided.
Approach of an unknown type of missile to an AS-90 self-propelled gun
In the last days of July, new rumors appeared about North Korean weapons in the Russian army. A photograph taken by a Ukrainian reconnaissance UAV in the area of the city of Volchansk in the Kharkov direction was distributed among specialized resources. It showed a combat vehicle that differed from Russian-made equipment.
The quality of the photo does not allow us to unambiguously determine the type of object, but you can see its main features and characteristics. This is a wheeled vehicle on a three-axle chassis with an elongated body. There is some kind of large superstructure on the roof of the building.
The appearance of the object, chassis design and superstructure are reminiscent of the North Korean Pulse-4 missile system. This version immediately spread across specialized resources and caused an understandable reaction. Some people consider a single frame of poor quality to be irrefutable evidence of the presence of equipment from the DPRK in the Russian army.
Possible application
The presence of Pulse-4 complexes in the Russian army has not been officially confirmed. The only anecdotal evidence is a single photo. However, unconfirmed reports of the combat use of the complexes are already appearing.
Self-propelled gun destroyed
Thematic resources recently published a short video from Russian drone-scout. He monitored the enemy AS-90 self-propelled gun and recorded its defeat by a missile. The video included the missile approaching the target, the explosion and subsequent fire with the burnout of the self-propelled gun's ammunition.
It is not specified on which part of the front this video was filmed. According to various sources, the affected self-propelled gun was located at a distance of about 10-15 km from the contact line. Range to target, missile flight characteristics, etc. led to the emergence of a version about the use of the Pulse-4 complex.
Rocket "Phoenix"
The Pulse-4 self-propelled missile system was developed in North Korea no later than the mid-2018s. It was first shown at a military parade in 2018. Abroad, this complex is known under the symbol M-XNUMX, indicating the year of the first show.
"Pulse-4" is a self-propelled armored combat vehicle with guided missile weapons. It is designed to destroy armored and other equipment, various structures, etc. targets, both in the line of sight and beyond.
The increased range characteristics do not allow Phoenix-4 to be classified as an anti-tank missile system. Conceptually, this product is closer to the latest foreign developments such as the Israeli Spike system, etc.
Pulse-4 complexes of the Korean People's Army at the parade
The missile system is built on a chassis known abroad as the M-2010. It is believed to be based on the Soviet/Russian BTR-80. The armored personnel carrier was modified and shortened, leaving only three axles. This chassis is used to accommodate various special loads and superstructures. The main driving characteristics and protection presumably remained at the level of the BTR-80.
The hull has a characteristic large armored turret. Inside it, under the lifting lid, there is a launcher for Pulse-4 missiles. The ammunition load includes eight missiles in transport and launch containers. The turret can rotate to launch missiles towards the target.
Weapon for self-defense, apparently, it is represented only by smoke grenade launchers on the forehead of the combat module, as well as personal weapons of the crew.
The Pulse-4 guided missile is of medium size. The product is made in a cylindrical body and is equipped with two sets of X-shaped planes. A solid propellant engine is used. The flight range is estimated at 10-15 km or more.
Phoenix-4 has an optical-electronic guidance system. A fiber optic cable communication system was also used with the complex. This architecture of the control system allows you to search for targets before and after launch, as well as retarget the missile in flight.
North Korean missiles of several types. On the left is the product “Pulse-4”
The missile carries a high-explosive fragmentation or cumulative warhead. Weight – at least several kilograms. Footage of the defeat of the Ukrainian self-propelled gun allows us to compare the combat qualities of the Korean product with the Russian Kornet ATGM.
Hypothetical potential
The presence of the Pulse-4 missile system in the Russian army has not yet been confirmed. A single photo of poor quality only allows us to build versions. However, we can consider the consequences of the hypothetical appearance of such equipment in service.
The Phoenix-4 product has obvious advantages. The chassis based on the BTR-80 provides high mobility and maneuverability, and also protects against bullets and shrapnel. The standard missiles of the complex have an increased launch range and are capable of operating against various targets.
The Korean model can be compared with the Russian Khrizantema and Kornet-D systems, since it performs similar functions. However, its design uses other components with different levels of performance. In a number of parameters, Pulse-4 outperforms our samples, but is inferior in others.
It is believed that Pulse-4 missiles, unlike traditional ATGMs, are capable of attacking targets beyond line of sight. The Russian army does not yet have ground-based missile systems of this kind, and therefore the Korean product may be of interest to our military.
Rocket launch
Extended-range missiles could complement existing portable and self-propelled anti-tank systems. They would become an additional tool for solving problems on the battlefield and near it. The introduction of such systems into service will increase the overall firepower and combat capabilities.
It must be recalled that our industry is currently creating the Hermes / Klevok interspecific missile system. According to known data, its version for ground forces is built on a self-propelled chassis and carries several missiles. The firing range reaches 150-200 km. In recent years, it has been reported that such a system has been tested and modified based on the experience of the Special Operations.
It is likely that the Hermes will appear in service in the near future and will significantly increase the striking power of the ground forces. However, at the moment there is no such equipment, and existing anti-tank missile systems, despite their advantages, can only hit targets at a distance of 8–10 km.
Rumors and reality
Tactical-level self-propelled missile systems with a launch range of at least 10-12 km are of obvious interest to any modern army. "Pulse-4" is no exception, and is quite capable of finding a place in the armed forces, as well as giving them the desired capabilities.
It is unknown whether there are North Korean complexes in the Russian army. So far, only one low-quality photo speaks in favor of this version. All that remains is to wait for new evidence. If Phoenix-4s really appeared in our units, then the wait won’t be long.
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