Breaking News: North Korea develops new Bulsae-5 as an upgraded version of its 6x6 anti-tank missile system.

At the North Korean Arms Equipment Exhibition 2024, officially named "Defense Development-2024," a new variant of the Bulsae-4 anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system was displayed, according to images released by the KCNA news agency. Following the naming convention used for modifications to the Popkung-Ho tank, we have decided to refer to this variant as the Bulsae-5. This version appears to use an 8x8 chassis, potentially an extended version of the 6x6 chassis used by the Bulsae-4.
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A closer look at the official photos from the exhibition shows that North Korea took the opportunity to discretely unveil a new 8x8 version of the Bulsae-4 6x6 anti-tank missile carrier. (Picture source: KCNA)

In November 2024, North Korea held the "National Defense Development-2024" exhibition in Pyongyang, displaying its latest military hardware. The event featured solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) such as the Hwasong-19 and Hwasong-18, hypersonic missiles, and various drones, including the Saetbyol-9, which resembles the U.S. MQ-9 Reaper. Leader Kim Jong Un emphasized the importance of mass-producing unmanned aerial vehicles, citing their cost-effectiveness and strategic value. The exhibition also showcased 240mm multiple rocket launchers, which South Korean intelligence suggests have been supplied to Russia. This indicates increased military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow. During the event, Kim stated that previous negotiations with the United States confirmed an unchanging hostile policy, underscoring North Korea's focus on enhancing its defense capabilities.

Over the past year, North Korea has introduced several new military assets. In March 2024, it unveiled the Cheonma-2 main battle tank, an advancement from the earlier M2020 model, incorporating technologies from the U.S. M1A2 Abrams and Russia's T-14 Armata. In August, the country showcased kamikaze drones with designs resembling Russian models and announced plans for their mass production. Additionally, satellite imagery from November 2024 indicates the expansion of the February 11 plant in Hamhung, a key facility for producing Hwasong-11 solid-fuel ballistic missiles. This suggests an increase in missile production capacity.

A closer look at the official photos from the exhibition shows that North Korea took the opportunity to discretely unveil a new version of the Bulsae-4 6x6 anti-tank missile carrier. In line with the naming pattern applied to modifications of the Popkung-Ho tank, we are referring to this variant as the Bulsae-5. This new version uses an 8x8 chassis, which could offer increased mobility or other operational advantages. Although specific details of this variant are limited, it appears to build on the design of the M-2010 platform. This suggests an effort to increase capacity or improve performance.

The Bulsae-4 missile system, based on the M-2010 6x6 armored personnel carrier (APC), uses a rotary launcher mounted on the roof, capable of carrying up to eight missiles. (Picture source: KCNA)

The Bulsae-4, introduced in the late 2010s, is mounted on the North Korean-made M-2010 6x6 armored personnel carrier (APC). The M-2010 is a wheeled vehicle inspired by Russian BTR-60PB and BTR-80 designs, as well as the Chinese WZ551. It features a welded body and armaments that include two 14.5mm machine guns, one 7.62mm machine gun, and man-portable surface-to-air missiles such as the SA-7/16. It also includes nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection measures and has amphibious capabilities. The vehicle is powered by a diesel engine, allowing a road speed of up to 90 km/h and an operational range of approximately 500 kilometers. The M-2010 can transport a crew of three and six infantry passengers.

The Bulsae-4 missile system, based on this platform, uses a rotary launcher mounted on the roof, capable of carrying up to eight missiles. These missiles are guided using an electro-optical seeker in combination with command guidance via fiber-optic cables. The missiles are designed for top-attack trajectories to target vulnerable areas of armored vehicles and have an estimated effective range of 10 to 25 kilometers. The system includes additional protection features such as smoke grenade dischargers and Laser Warning Receivers (LWRs).

The Bulsae-4 has been identified outside North Korea in the context of international conflicts. In July 2024, Ukrainian forces reported spotting a Bulsae-4 system in the Kharkiv region, marking the first confirmed deployment of a North Korean armored missile system in the war in Ukraine. Reports suggest that this deployment occurred as part of broader military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. North Korea has reportedly provided artillery shells, missiles, and other military equipment to Russia in recent years. This collaboration allows North Korea to gather operational data on its systems while supplying Russia with additional resources for its military operations.