Rolevery long-range heavy artillery
Main weapon / system170 mm gun
Platform / layoutNorth Korean tracked chassis with open gun mount
MediaPrimary image integrated
Development and design
Because North Korean designations and technical details remain opaque, Western names derive from the years and locations in which the systems were observed. Both use large open-mounted guns on tracked chassis, with the later M-1989 improving ammunition support and layout. 1, 2
Operational use
Koksan guns have long been associated with North Korea’s heavy artillery forces and were also exported to Iran, where examples saw combat during the Iran-Iraq War. 1, 2
Role and significance
The family is historically significant because it reflects North Korea’s emphasis on long-range ground fires as a strategic instrument, not merely conventional divisional artillery. 1, 2
Sources and further reading
Representative source set used for this profile. Primary image source and reuse terms are listed with the image.