Russia is fielding rare 140 mm and 60 mm mortars from North Korea in its war on Ukraine, with new photos marking the first visual confirmation of their use in combat, according to NK News.

Militarnyi, citing NK News, reports that North Korea has delivered towed 140 mm mortars to Russian forces, following earlier transfers of 60 mm mortars. The artillery pieces, previously limited to D​PRK parades and museum displays, are now appearing alongside Russian troops operating in the Kursk Oblast. 

Photos shared by Russian military bloggers show several 60 mm mortars reportedly provided by North Korea to Russian paratroopers of the 76th Guards Air Assault Division. These troops, reportedly operating with D​PRK personnel in the Kursk area, were seen in combat positions with the mortars.

Expert assessment and origin of the weapons

Joost Oliemans, an expert in North Korean military systems, stated the photographs are the first evidence that these weapons are now actively used in the Ukraine war. He noted that the 60 mm mortar may have been North Korea’s attempt to imitate NATO-standard weaponry. Russian propagandists claim the mortar’s effectiveness remains unclear, according to Miltitarnyi.

Oliemans also explained that the larger 140 mm mortar was developed by North Korea during the 1980s and 1990s. The first known appearance of this system was during a military parade in 1992 marking the 60th anniversary of the D​PRK armed forces. He added that the model likely dates back to 1981.

Rising dependence on unusual calibers

Militarnyi notes that despite the growth in D​PRK arms supplies, Russia remains challenged by logistical issues arising from its reliance on non-standard calibers. The introduction of such unique artillery pieces complicates integration with existing systems.

In a recent development, Russia reportedly equipped one of its newly formed artillery brigades with Koksan self-propelled artillery systems, also received from North Korea.