Russian Forces Express Concerns Over Quality and Consistency of North Korean Artillery Supplies

Russian military personnel in Ukraine have raised significant concerns regarding the quality and effectiveness of artillery shells supplied by North Korea. The shells, which were sent hastily and lacked essential firing tables, have been reported to show notable inconsistencies in range.

The issue was highlighted in a post on a Russian military-themed Telegram channel, where they conducted an analysis of the North Korean propellant charges used in 152-mm projectiles, labeled NDT-3. This label refers to the components of the shell, specifically nitroglycerin powder with dinitrotoluene, though the exact name of the shell remains unknown. This analysis caught the attention of Georgian blogger TheDeadDistrict.

These concerns were drawn from an examination of just five shells, indicating a broader problem of ammunition shortage for Russian forces. The inconsistent trajectories of these shells lead to reduced accuracy, necessitating the use of more ammunition to achieve objectives. This increased usage prolongs the time artillery units remain in position, making them vulnerable to counterattacks in the highly active Ukrainian counter-battery warfare environment.

Additionally, the use of varied powders in the shells, a result of North Korea's isolated status and the need to source powder components from diverse origins, has further impacted the quality of the ammunition. This situation is exacerbated by issues in North Korea's manufacturing processes, where the emphasis on quantity over quality and the theft of materials by workers have led to defects in the ammunition.

These defects, while reducing the effectiveness of the North Korean ammunition, do not negate its potential danger to Ukrainian forces. The sheer volume of these shells, reportedly in the millions, underscores the importance of these quality issues.

The examination of a small sample of propellant charges revealed numerous problems, and there's yet to be an analysis of other components like the projectile and the detonator, which are subject to equally stringent quality requirements. A more comprehensive examination of these components could potentially uncover further issues.

In summary, the challenges faced by Russian forces due to the poor quality of North Korean artillery supplies highlight significant logistical and strategic issues, affecting their operational effectiveness in the conflict.