The Bulsae-4 anti-tank missile system was first spotted in the Kharkiv region.
Russia is likely receiving anti-tank missile systems from North Korea, which is a serious escalation. Recently, a Bulsae-4 appeared near the northern front lines of the Ukrainian war and fired six missiles.
Forbes reports on this.
In June, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Pyongyang to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and sign a defense pact between the two countries.
Six weeks later, a likely North Korean missile launcher appeared near the front lines in southern Russia, near the border with Ukraine.
Closer military ties between Russia and North Korea appear to be having a real impact on the fighting. If North Korea is indeed supplying Russia with armor, it could help solve one of Russia's biggest problems on the battlefield: a shortage of specialized combat vehicles.
On or before Tuesday, a Ukrainian drone spotted an unfamiliar object near Vovchansk, the main battleground in the Kharkiv region. After careful inspection, it turned out to be a Bulsae-4, a six-wheeled tank destroyer with missiles. According to the operator of Kriegsforscher, it fired six missiles before disappearing.
The Bulsae-4 is a unique North Korean tank, using the chassis of a North Korean version of the Russian BTR-80 armored personnel carrier and equipped with a massive turret that houses eight anti-tank guided missiles. Each missile likely weighs tens of pounds and has a range of several miles.
It serves the same purpose as a dismounted anti-tank missile system, but provides greater speed, mobility, and protection.
The details of the June deal between Russia and North Korea are unknown, but it is possible that it includes significant deliveries of North Korean equipment. Russia needs to compensate for the loss of about 600 combat vehicles per month in Ukraine. Therefore, in addition to Bulsae-4 tanks, the Russian military may also receive other types of North Korean equipment.
The publication writes that Russia especially suffers from a shortage of modern tanks and armored personnel carriers. Therefore, it is possible that North Korean Pokpung-ho tanks and M2010 armored personnel carriers may appear on the Russian side of the front in Ukraine. This may be helped by the fact that the M2010 and Bulsae-4 have the same chassis.
Recall that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has stepped up cooperation with North Korea due to political isolation in the world and a shortage of ammunition.
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