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North Korea delivers outdated D-74 122mm howitzers to Russia due to heavy artillery losses in Ukraine.
According to Russia Today on December 17, 2024, the Russian Armed Forces have intensified operations in the Kurakhove direction, employing artillery and attack aircraft. Released footage reveals the use of rare 122mm D-74 howitzers, largely retired from Russian arsenals in the 1970s. These howitzers were observed being operated by the 238th Artillery Brigade, which reported their effectiveness in targeting Ukrainian defensive positions. The use of D-74s, reportedly supplied by North Korea, highlights Russian efforts to compensate artillery losses in Ukraine with equipment not previously seen in current Russian military operations.
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Russia’s need for D-74 howitzers coincides with significant losses of artillery in Ukraine, with estimates indicating the destruction of hundreds of artillery pieces since the conflict's start. (Picture source: RT)
In October 2024, reports indicated that North Korea had potentially supplied Russia with 122mm D-74 towed howitzers, a Soviet-era artillery system. These reports were based on footage showing the use of D-74 howitzers by Russian forces, despite their removal from Russian arsenals in the 1970s. Analysts suggested two possibilities: either Russia had uncovered residual stockpiles or had acquired these systems from North Korea, which is known to possess D-74s, some produced domestically or received under the Type 59 designation from China.
North Korea has been identified as the likely source of the D-74 howitzers used by the 238th Artillery Brigade. Characteristics of the howitzers, such as their wheels, match those seen in North Korean arsenals during inspections by Kim Jong-un. The shells used, identified as OF-472 models, feature characteristics consistent with North Korean production, such as blue paint, unpainted lead belts, and centering depressions. Derived from Soviet designs, these shells are essential for the operation of the D-74. Earlier footage from the Russian Ministry of Defense showed these howitzers being used by the Vostok Group in the Vuhledar direction. For these deployments, modifications, such as removing armor plates, were made to facilitate use in closed positions. These units were employed to target enemy forces concealed in forested areas.
The D-74 was originally developed in the late 1940s and entered service in 1955 to replace earlier 122mm artillery systems. It features a maximum range of 24 kilometers, a barrel length of 52.9 calibers, and a firing rate of seven rounds per minute. Despite these specifications, the system was soon replaced in Soviet service by the M-46, a 130mm field howitzer offering greater range and firepower. By the 1960s and 1970s, most D-74 howitzers were decommissioned and transferred to allied nations in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, including North Korea, China, Vietnam, and Algeria. North Korea has maintained and developed D-74 variants, such as the M1981 and M1991 self-propelled versions, while continuing to produce compatible ammunition.
In Europe, the D-74 had limited use, being employed by Warsaw Pact countries such as Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, and the former German Democratic Republic before it was decommissioned. Ukrainian and Western sources had previously assessed that no D-74 howitzers remained in Russian stockpiles. The reappearance of these howitzers in Ukraine suggests either the rediscovery of residual stockpiles or their importation from North Korea. This aligns with reports that North Korea has expanded its defense cooperation with Russia, supplying artillery shells, self-propelled howitzers, MLRS, and tank destroyers. Observations in the RT footage further corroborate the North Korean origin of these systems.
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By the 1960s and 1970s, most Russian D-74 howitzers were decommissioned and transferred to communist allies, including North Korea, with some produced domestically or received under the Type 59 designation from China. (Picture source: Russian social media)
Russia’s use of D-74 howitzers coincides with significant losses of artillery in Ukraine, with estimates indicating the destruction of hundreds of artillery pieces since the conflict's onset. Ukrainian forces have effectively utilized counter-battery fire, aided by Western-supplied systems such as the Caesar howitzers, and leveraged drones for precision targeting. Ukrainian artillery tactics, including 'shoot-and-scoot' methods, have further disrupted Russian operations. Reports indicate that hundreds of Russian artillery pieces have been destroyed since the conflict began. In response, Russia has increased production of modern self-propelled artillery units, such as the 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV, and sought to refurbish older systems to fill capability gaps. Deploying D-74 howitzers reflects a strategy to integrate older systems into current operations, especially in trench warfare, where they remain operationally viable.
The D-74 howitzer operates on a split-trail carriage system shared with the 152mm D-20. It employs separate-loading ammunition, with shells weighing 25 kilograms and achieving a muzzle velocity of 885 meters per second. It can transition from transport to combat positions within 2–2.5 minutes and is operated by a crew of 10. Although largely replaced by more modern artillery systems, the D-74 remains compatible with advanced targeting technologies, including UAV-assisted reconnaissance, which enhances its accuracy.
North Korea’s production of the D-74 includes its adaptation for use in Koksan self-propelled howitzers, including the M1981 and M1991 variants, which remain in active service. Reports indicate that these systems, alongside ammunition, have been transferred to Russia as part of the expanding defense relationship between the two countries. This development underscores Russia’s logistical challenges and its reliance on international partners to sustain artillery operations.
The reintroduction of the D-74 122mm howitzer by Russian forces in Ukraine highlights an operational response to current logistical and battlefield challenges. Originally developed in the late 1940s and largely removed from Russian service by the 1970s, the D-74 has resurfaced, likely due to equipment shortages and the need to supplement existing artillery capabilities. Recent reports suggest that these howitzers may have been sourced from allied nations, such as North Korea, which has historically maintained these systems and produced compatible ammunition. Although these howitzers are less advanced than modern artillery, their availability and compatibility with current operational needs make them a viable option for providing fire support in specific scenarios. Finally, this deployment also reflects Russia’s efforts to adapt to resource constraints while maintaining operational capabilities.
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The D-74 was originally developed in the late 1940s and entered service in 1955 to replace earlier 122mm artillery systems, but was soon replaced in Soviet service by the M-46, a 130mm field howitzer offering greater range and firepower. (Picture source; Russian social media)