Ukrainian drone operators reportedly damaged three North Korean howitzers in Kursk Oblast during a strike coordinated with HIMARS artillery support. This event underscores ongoing military exchanges between North Korea and Russia, as well as resilience among Ukrainian forces despite significant setbacks.
According to Forbes, the Ukrainian 14th Regiment of Unmanned Aerial Systems reportedly damaged three North Korean M1989 howitzers in a synchronized strike. The drone operators identified three tracked 170-millimeter guns concealed in treelines in Kursk Oblast, Russia, around or just prior to March 18. The drone squad relayed the coordinates to a nearby Ukrainian battery equipped with High-Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS).
Subsequently, the HIMARS battery launched at least one M30 rocket which detonated above the trees, dispersing numerous grenade-sized submunitions onto the M1989 artillery pieces and their crews. Although assessing the full extent of the damage is challenging, the attack underscores the effectiveness of Ukrainian drone operations. The M1989 Koksan, a heavy 40-ton self-propelled artillery piece that debuted in 1989, boasts a distinct 170-mm caliber capable of impressive ranges up to 60 km with specialized shells.
Additionally, Forbes noted that North Korea has provisioned Russia with extensive military hardware, including M1989s, anti-tank missile systems, rocket launchers, and air defense mechanisms. Prior to this coordinated strike, Ukrainian forces had already neutralized at least one M1989 and several Bulsae-4 launchers, while a Russian drone inadvertently destroyed a North Korean air defense unit.
Last week, a large Ukrainian contingent was positioned in a salient in Kursk but faced a significant attack from the Rubicon Center of Advanced Unmanned Systems, targeting their supply lines in Sudzha. Concurrently, North Korean forces progressed in Kursk, tightening the situation for the Ukrainians. As a result, the remaining Ukrainian troops retreated, abandoning critical equipment yet continued to execute strikes against Russian and North Korean units in the region.
Forbes characterized the recent events in Kursk as a Pyrrhic victory for both Russian and North Korean forces, incurring substantial casualties and material losses while compelling a Ukrainian withdrawal. In contrast, Ukrainian losses were notable but comparatively less severe, indicating a resilient operational stance despite the strategic setback.
The Ukrainian strike on North Korean howitzers reflects the ongoing complexities of the conflict in eastern Europe. This incident highlights both the tactical proficiency of Ukrainian drone units and the significant military support North Korea provides to Russia. While Ukrainians faced a challenging retreat in Kursk, their continued resistance showcases operational resilience amid substantial losses by adversarial forces.
Original Source: euromaidanpress.com
