The M1989 "Koksan" is a 170 mm self-propelled howitzer artillery tracked armored vehicle developed by North Korea, featuring a massive 170mm gun. Known for its remarkable range, it’s designed to deliver powerful, long-distance bombardments. Built as an upgrade to the earlier M1978 model, the M1989 uses the same weapon system and mount but is installed on a modified chassis based on the Soviet-made ATS-59 artillery tractor, enhancing mobility and operability for North Korean forces.
Country users: North Korea
Technical Data
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Armament
The M1989 Koksan is equipped with a 170mm smoothbore artillery gun, derived from the earlier M1978 model. The weapon features a multi-slotted muzzle brake but lacks a fume extractor. It uses a screw-type breech mechanism, which opens to the right, with a loading tray on the left and likely a power rammer to assist with loading the heavy shells. The system supports both manual and powered elevation, with powered traverse limited to prevent excessive stress on the chassis. Firing ranges include up to 40 kilometers with conventional high-explosive (HE) rounds, and up to 60 kilometers with rocket-assisted projectiles. The gun has a firing rate of approximately two rounds per minute, with an onboard ammunition storage capacity of 12 rounds.
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Design and protection
The M1989 Koksan is based on a modified Soviet ATS-59 artillery tractor chassis, supporting the additional weight and recoil of the large 170mm gun. Unlike its predecessor, the M1989 features a radically redesigned hull, resembling the Soviet 2S7 Pion self-propelled gun, with an extended front overhang and a forward-facing cabin. This redesigned hull provides space for a crew of seven, a notable increase over the M1978’s two-person capacity. The forward cabin design allows for increased internal volume, accommodating four crew members in the front and a compartment for storing 12 shells and their charges. The M1989 lacks significant armor and relies on its long-range capability to stay out of direct combat zones, though it can carry a man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) for limited protection against aerial threats.
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Mobility
Powered by a diesel engine, the M1989 Koksan can reach a top road speed of at least 50 km/h. The vehicle weighs around 40 tons, making it relatively mobile given its size and armament. Equipped with tracked suspension, the M1989 can traverse moderately rugged terrain, although it remains slower and less agile than smaller self-propelled artillery. The suspension consists of five dual rubber-tyred road wheels on each side, with the drive sprocket at the front and the idler at the rear. There is a distinct gap between the first and second road wheels, and the second and third. Its operational range is sufficient for rear-line deployment, but limited by its heavy construction and artillery-focused design.
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Combat Equipment
The standard onboard equipment M1989 Koksan includes basic optical sighting systems for indirect fire targeting, though it lacks modern digital or computerized fire-control systems. NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) protection is minimal, in line with its intended use from rear positions rather than frontline engagements. While basic onboard equipment supports long-range artillery missions, additional defense systems such as MANPADS are sometimes carried to provide limited air defense for the crew in open-field deployments.
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