New Russian Weaponry Raises Alarm: North Korean Tank Destroyers Arrive in Ukraine

Written by Kathrine Frich

Jul.31 - 2024 10:03 AM CET

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Photo: Shutterstock
Photo: Shutterstock
North Korea’s support for Russia in the ongoing conflict has expanded beyond ammunition and spare parts.

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North Korea’s support for Russia in the ongoing conflict has expanded beyond ammunition and spare parts.

Photos Emerge Showing a new Vehicle in Belgorod region

Recent reports reveal that Pyongyang has delivered military hardware to Russia, including the Bulsae wheeled tank destroyers, according to Tech.

This development marks a significant escalation in the type of support North Korea is providing to Russia and raises questions about the broader implications for the conflict.

Photos have emerged showing a new vehicle in the Belgorod region, which Ukrainian intelligence has identified as a possible Bulsae model. While some commentators speculate it could be the Bulsae-4, experts like Piotr Zbies from "Nowa Technika Wojskowa" suggest it is more likely the advanced Bulsae-6. This newer model is classified as a Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) system, designed to engage targets beyond the direct line of sight.

Could Significantly Enhance Russian Combat Capabilities

The Bulsae-6 is expected to utilize a modified version of the 9M133 Kornet missile, which boasts a range exceeding 10 kilometers. This stands in contrast to older models like the 9M111 Fagot, which has a shorter range of around 2 kilometers.

The addition of Bulsae tank destroyers could significantly enhance Russian combat capabilities, providing more effective long-range firepower compared to older T-62 or T-54/55 tanks.

The deployment of these advanced North Korean systems highlights the deteriorating state of Russian military production, forcing reliance on external sources like North Korea and Iran. While the Bulsae-6 may not match the range and capabilities of Western systems like the Spike NLOS, it represents a substantial improvement over existing Russian technology.

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