M1989

   The M1989 self-propelled gun was developed as a successor to the previous M1978 Koksan. Designation of this vehicle has been allocated by the US Department of Defense. Number in the designation indicates the year it was first observed by the US intelligence.

   A key requirement for this artillery system was the capability of reaching Seoul from the north of the demilitarized zone. North Korea placed a great emphasis on artillery firepower, because of it's air force limited ground attack capability.

   The M1989 is armed with a 170-mm gun, similar to that of the M1978 Koksan. It may be a Soviet naval or costal gun, supplied in the 1950s. It has been mounted on top of the chassis in an open mount. The M1989 uses a new tracked chassis. The main improvement over it's predecessor is that this vehicle carries on-board ammunition supply of 12 rounds.

   Maximum range of fire is 40 km with extended range projectile and up to 60 km with a rocket assisted projectile.

   A number of these artillery systems are located north of the demilitarized zone and are targeted towards South Korea. These units operate from hardened artillery sites. The M1989s are employed in artillery regiments, each with a total of 36 self-propelled guns.