PYONGYANG — May 9, 2026 : North Korea has initiated large-scale production of its new Juche-107 155mm self-propelled howitzer, according to footage released by state media following a visit by leader Kim Jong Un to a major munitions production facility.
During the inspection, Kim Jong Un and senior military officials reviewed active assembly lines producing the artillery system, which North Korean authorities said will be deployed to three battalions assigned to long-range artillery units positioned along the southern border by the end of 2026. State media reported that the Juche-107 is capable of striking targets at ranges exceeding 60 kilometers.
Transition to 155mm Standard
The Juche-107 was first unveiled in 2018, although the design has undergone several modifications before entering broader production. The system represents a significant modernization effort for the Korean People’s Army (KPA), which has historically relied on Soviet-standard 152mm artillery systems and domestically developed 170mm long-range guns.
The adoption of the NATO-standard 155mm caliber reflects a transition similar to that undertaken by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. Defense analysts say the shift offers several operational and logistical advantages, including interoperability with Chinese artillery systems, improved export potential and the ability to utilize captured South Korean and U.S. artillery ammunition during wartime conditions.
North Korean media also reported that Kim reviewed testing data related to terrain mobility, underwater crossing capability and firing trials involving upgraded shells. Officials highlighted the system’s automatic firing functions and battlefield information-processing capabilities during the inspection.
Impact of Ammunition Exports to Russia
The transition toward the Juche-107 is occurring alongside North Korea’s continued military exports to Russia for operations in Ukraine. Pyongyang, which maintains one of the world’s largest peacetime artillery forces, has become a major supplier of artillery ammunition to Russian forces.
Recent intelligence assessments indicate that North Korea has transferred approximately 33,000 containers of military cargo to Russia, including more than 15 million 152mm artillery shells. Analysts believe the large-scale export of older ammunition stockpiles has accelerated the KPA’s transition toward the new 155mm artillery system.
Despite this modernization effort, military analysts expect older 152mm artillery systems to remain in service for decades due to the scale of North Korea’s existing artillery inventory. The KPA is therefore expected to continue operating three primary heavy artillery calibers simultaneously — 152mm, 155mm and 170mm.
Continued Role of 170mm Artillery
North Korea’s 170mm artillery systems, particularly the M1989 Koksan self-propelled gun, continue to attract international attention following reports of their deployment in the Ukrainian theater.
In June 2025, Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov stated that the systems had demonstrated effective battlefield performance, citing their long-range firing capability and accuracy. Ukrainian intelligence estimated that Russia had received approximately 120 units, enough to equip around four artillery regiments.
It remains unclear whether the systems in Ukraine are being operated solely by Russian personnel, by deployed KPA units, or through a joint operational structure involving both forces. Defense analysts have suggested that a combined operational arrangement is the most likely scenario.
Future Modernization Plans
Analysts expect North Korea to continue modernizing the Juche-107 through incremental upgrades while potentially developing a next-generation 170mm artillery platform in parallel.
Attention has also focused on the possibility of foreign technology transfers linked to Pyongyang’s expanding defense cooperation with China and Russia. Defense observers note that China’s SH16 is regarded as one of the most advanced automated artillery systems currently in service, while Russia’s 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV has emerged as a highly advanced artillery program since entering limited service in 2023.
Analysts believe technologies associated with these systems could influence future variants of the Juche-107 as North Korea continues efforts to modernize its artillery forces while maintaining its large legacy inventory.
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