Millions of Shells, Hundreds of Guns: Intelligence Details Russia–North Korea Arms Cooperation

Intelligence reports reveal that North Korea has supplied Russia with around 6.5 million 122 mm shells and up to 600 artillery systems.

This was reported by the Foreign Intelligence Service at the request of LIGA.net.

Intelligence reports indicate that the DPRK has become the main foreign supplier of ammunition for nearly all types of artillery systems used by Russian forces.

In particular, this includes:

• mortar shells of 82 mm, 120 mm, and 140 mm calibers;

• rocket launcher ammunition of 122 mm, 130 mm, 152 mm, and 170 mm calibers.

In total, North Korea has delivered at least 6.5 million rounds of 122 mm artillery ammunition to Russia.

It is also confirmed that the DPRK has transferred a substantial number of artillery systems, mortars, and missile launchers to Russian forces — approximately 600 units in total. These include:

• several self-propelled launchers of the KN-23/24 tactical missile system (OTRK) and 600 mm KN-25 multiple launch rocket systems;

• around 120 units of 240 mm M-1991 multiple launch rocket systems;

• about 120 units of 170 mm M-1989 Koksan self-propelled howitzers;

• approximately 100 units of 122 mm D-74I towed howitzers;

• about 100 units of 140 mm M-1982 mortars;

• at least 165 units of 107 mm Type 63 multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS).

“Although, according to Russian military assessments, certain models of North Korean artillery are less effective and less maintainable, cooperation between the DPRK and Russia in the military-technical sphere remains mutually beneficial,” the Foreign Intelligence Service (SZR) reported.

Intelligence officials emphasized that North Korea gains the opportunity to test and refine its domestically produced weapons under modern combat conditions, while Russia receives additional means to sustain its war effort.

It was previously reported that Russia is rapidly losing the remnants of Soviet weapons stocks and is increasingly dependent on the help of foreign allies.

It is known that North Korea continues to supply Russia with ammunition to support its war against Ukraine. According to South Korean military intelligence, the DPRK may have transferred more than 12 million 152 mm shells to the Russian Federation.