List of equipment of the Korean People's Army Ground Force
This is a list of equipment used by the Korean People's Army Ground Force.
Small arms[]
Name | Country of origin | Note | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Semi-automatic pistols | ||||||
Type 64 | ![]() ![]() |
Unlicensed copy of FN Browning M1900. | ||||
Type 66 | ![]() ![]() |
Indigenous copy of Makarov pistol. | ||||
Type 68 | ![]() ![]() |
Indigenous copy of TT-30 pistol. | ||||
Type 70 | ![]() |
Self-designed and produced; Modeled after the FN M1900; chambered in .32 ACP.[1] | ||||
Paektusan[2] | ![]() ![]() |
Issued to high-ranking officers, pilots, and special force members.[3] In recent years the pistol is becoming the standard issued sidearm for most officers. Considered a copy of the CZ-75 pistol. | ||||
Norinco NZ-75 | ![]() ![]() |
|||||
FN Baby Browning | ![]() |
Issued to spies. | ||||
CZ 82 | ![]() |
Issued to senior officers. | ||||
Inglis Hi-Power | ![]() |
Issued to spies and special force members. | ||||
Sub-machine guns | ||||||
PPSH-41 | ![]() ![]() |
Locally manufactured as the Type 49 | ||||
PPS-43 | ![]() ![]() |
Both Soviet PPS submachine guns and Chinese Type 54s. | ||||
M56 | ![]() |
|||||
Sterling submachine gun | ![]() |
Very limited use. Issued to elite special operations force units and spies for infiltration combat missions in South Korea. | ||||
vz.61 | ![]() |
Used by special force units, and spies. | ||||
Shotguns | ||||||
KS-23 | ![]() |
|||||
Carbine | ||||||
Type 98 | ![]() |
Resembles an AKS-74U but with a top-folding stock and has typically a helical magazine attached or in some cases a 30-round magazine. Preferred by mainly Special Operations Forces within the KPA | ||||
Assault rifles | ||||||
Type 56 | ![]() |
Produced locally as the Type 58. | ||||
Type 63 assault rifle | ![]() ![]() |
Used as a ceremonial rifle and in military parades. | ||||
Norinco CQ | ![]() ![]() |
Limited use, issued to special force members. | ||||
M16A1 | ![]() |
Limited use, unlicensed locally made copies, issued to special force members. Seen in use by North Korean Commandos in the Gangneung incident in 1996.[4][5] | ||||
K2 | ![]() |
Limited use, unlicensed locally made copies, issued to special force members at least since 1990s.[6] | ||||
Type 58 | ![]() |
Standard issue of KPA reserve forces. | ||||
Type 68 | ![]() ![]() |
Standard issue among North Korean infantry and being slowly supplanted by the Type 88 or 98. | ||||
Type 88 | ![]() |
Slowly supplanting the Type 68 as the future standard issue rifle of the KPA. Type 88-1 uses a side folding stock. Type 88-2 uses an overfolding stock and is modified and has a shorter AKS-74U style muzzle brake and barrel. It is designed to use a new NK-designed helical magazine that can hold between 100 and 150 5.45 x 39 mm cartridges.[7][better source needed] | ||||
QTS-11 | ![]() |
OICW-Type, assault rifle chambered to fire the 5.45 mm round, as well as (23–30 mm?) airburst shells from its bullpup bolt-action over-barrel launcher with magazine containing 3 to 5 rounds.[8] | ||||
Sniper rifles | ||||||
Dragunov SVD | ![]() |
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PSL | ![]() |
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PTRD-41 | ![]() |
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Chogyok-Pochong | ![]() ![]() |
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Light machine guns | ||||||
Type 64 | ![]() |
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Type 82 GPMG | ![]() |
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RPD | ![]() |
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Type 73 | ![]() |
Indigenous design based on the Vz. 52 machine gun and the Kalashnikov PK machine gun design. | ||||
Nikonov machine gun | ![]() |
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RP-46 | ![]() |
|||||
Unknown? | ![]() |
Indigenous Gatling-type gun, chambered to fire 7.62x54mmR. | ||||
Heavy machine guns | ||||||
DShKM | ![]() ![]() |
Standard issue. | ||||
KPV | ![]() ![]() |
|||||
Indigenous 14.5x114mm gatling gun | ![]() |
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Grenade launchers | ||||||
GP-25 | ![]() ![]() |
|||||
AGS-17 | ![]() ![]() |
[9] | ||||
AGS-30 | ![]() ![]() |
Seen on Chonma-Ho 216 model 2017.[10] | ||||
Non-lethal | ||||||
ZM-87 | ![]() |
Reported to have been used to illuminate two US Army Apache helicopters in 2003.[11] |
Reserve small arms[]
(Used by Worker-Peasant Red Guards).
- TT pistol – Soviet-made Tokarev batches, replaced by the locally-made Type 68 pistol.
- Type 54 pistol Chinese-made Tokarev batches, replaced by the locally-made Type 68 pistol.
- PPSh-41 – Under the designation Type 49.[12]
- Type 100 – Japanese sub-machine gun, captured during World War II and used in the Korean War.
- Mosin–Nagant – Now used for ceremonial purposes only.
- M1903 Springfield – U.S. bolt action rifle captured during the Korean War. Used by Worker-Peasant Red Guard units. Sometimes used with a suppressor attached.
- Murata Rifle – Captured from the Japanese in 1905. Still used today by Worker-Peasant Red Guard units.
- Nambu Pistol – Captured from the Japanese during the Jeungmi Righteous War in 1907. Now in use with Worker-Peasant Red Guard officers.
- PPD-40
- SVT-40
- SG-43 Goryunov
- DP
- RPG-2
- Type 63 Rifle – Locally produced variant of the Soviet SKS carbine. Now used by ceremonial and reserve forces of the KPA.
- Shin guntō – Japanese sword, captured during World War II and used in the Korean War.
- Luger P08 – Unlicensed copy given to officers.
Armor[]
Name | Type | Quantity | Origin | Photo | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tanks | ||||||
Type 59 | Main battle tank | 175[13][14] | ![]() |
![]() |
Modified with KPV heavy machine gun and on some vehicles, a 9K38 Igla.[15] | |
T-54/55 | 2,000[13] | ![]() |
![]() |
Can be equipped with spaced armor to defeat HEAT warheads.[16] Modified with 14.5mm KPV machine gun.[15] | ||
T-62 | 970[13] | ![]() |
![]() |
|||
Ch'ŏnma-ho
1, 2, 3 |
~1,200[13] for all Chonma-ho variants | ![]() |
Originated as Korean upgrade of Soviet-supplied T-62 before shifting into local production.
1 has no rangefinder, 2 has rangefinder and 3 is a dubious designation possibly for Chonma-92.[17] 9K38 Igla only seen on early models with cast turret and not on the -92,-98 or -214 despite sharing similar turret to the -215 and -216 which are seen equipped with it.[17] Distinctive due to two bolts near the top edge of the lower glacis plate. | |||
Chonma-92
Chonma-98 Chonma-214[18] |
? | ![]() |
![]() |
Later improved with T-62M derived applique armor, improved fire control systems, and improved sighting systems. Has been observed equipped with Reactive armor, uses laminate and welded turret, possible with composite armour.[18] | ||
Chonma-215
Chonma-216 (generally known as Pokpung-ho) |
600[19] | ![]() |
Turret is largely similar to Chonma-214, but chassis has 6 wheels per side.
Chonma-215 features manually controlled ATGM and 9K38 Igla.[15] Chonma-216 features remote controlled ATGM and 9K38 Igla.[15] | |||
T-72 | Unknown | ![]() |
![]() |
The DPRK allegedly purchased a number of T-72 and its parts from various countries after being rejected an order of T-90 tanks.[20] | ||
Songun-915[21] | Unknown | ![]() |
Similar chassis to Pokpung-ho, however uses a dome shaped cast turret, similar in shape to T-62, but significantly larger. Fitted with 2A46 125 mm gun. Sometimes see with reactive armour and single or dual Igla. | |||
M2020[22] | Unknown | ![]() |
New prototype tank with strong resemblance to the T-14 Armata or M1 Abrams. Anti-tank guided missile is fitted to turret side.[23] It possibly has active protection system.[20] | |||
PT-76 | Amphibious light tank | 550 | ![]() |
![]() |
Some PT-76 are in reserve status. | |
PT-85 (Type-82) | 50+ | ![]() |
Chassis is likely a derivative of the VTT-323.[24] | |||
Armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles | ||||||
BMP-1 | Infantry fighting vehicle | 222[13] | ![]() |
![]() |
. | |
VTT-323 (M-1973) | Unknown | ![]() |
![]() |
Based on the YW-531. | ||
Model 2009 (Chunma-D, or Junma-Le)[25] | Unknown | ![]() |
Based on the PT-85 light tank hull but fitted with a turret from a M-2010 personal carrier.[25] | |||
BTR-60PB | Armoured personnel carrier | 1,000[13] | ![]() |
First ordered in 1966. | ||
BTR-80A | 35[13] | ![]() |
![]() |
Imported from Ukraine, fitted with Shipunov 2A42.[26] | ||
M-2010 (Chunma-D) | N/A | ![]() |
![]() |
A modified clone of the BTR-80,[27] dual 14.5mm KPV machine gun and coaxial 7.62mm machine gun. Some have single Igla.[26] | ||
M-2010 (6 x 6 version) | N/A | A shortened version of the M-2010,[28] fitted with same armament as above.[26] | ||||
M1992 | Unknown | ![]() |
Locally designed APC based on the BRDM-2.[29] Armed with an AGS-17 grenade launcher and a 9K113 Konkurs ATGM. | |||
8×8 APC | Assault gun/tank destroyer | N/A | ![]() |
Resembles American Stryker, carries either a gun resembling a D-30 122 mm howitzer or five Kornet-based ATGMs.[30][31][32] |
Vehicles[]
Name | Type | In service | Notes | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Transportation and logistics | ||||||
Mercedes G-Class | Utility vehicle | Seen during the funeral of Kim Jong-il[33] | ||||
UAZ-3151 | Utility vehicle | |||||
Iveco 90.17 WM | General-purpose truck | |||||
Ural-4320 | General-purpose truck | |||||
FAW MV3 | General-purpose truck | |||||
Volvo FM | Tractor truck | Supplemented by Sinotruk HOWO A7 | ||||
MAZ-7310 | Missile system carrier | |||||
WS-51200 TEL | Transporter erector launcher platform | 10 |
Artillery[]
Name | Type | In Service | Notes | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Howitzers | ||||||
M-1985 | 152 mm gun-howitzer | D-20/M1955; Type 83 | ||||
M-1981 | 122 mm self-propelled gun | Type 54 SPH | ||||
M-1978 | 170 mm SP gun-howitzer | Largest caliber self-propelled howitzer in KPA service | ||||
180 mm gun S-23 | 180mm howitzer | Largest caliber howitzer in KPA[34] | ||||
M-1975 | 130 mm self-propelled gun | |||||
M-1974 | 152 mm SP gun-howitzer | |||||
M-1992 | 122 mm self-propelled gun | |||||
M-1991 | 152 mm self-propelled howitzer | |||||
Tokchon (artillery) | 100/122mm self-propelled gun/howitzer | Mounted on ATS-59 | ||||
M-1992 | 120 mm self-propelled combination gun | |||||
152mm self-propelled gun | Jane's compared its ordnance with 2S19 Msta
[measure the photo by straightedge][35][36] Range over 40 kilometers.[37] | |||||
Mortars | ||||||
Mortars | Various | North Korea is known to have some 10,000 mortars of different types and origin in its inventory | ||||
Rocket artillery | ||||||
Type 63 | 107 mm multiple rocket launcher | 400[38] | ||||
M-1985 | 122 mm multiple rocket launcher | |||||
M-1993 | 122 mm multiple rocket launcher | Domestically produced RM-70[39] | ||||
BM-11 | 122 mm multiple rocket launcher | |||||
RM-70 | 122 mm multiple rocket launcher | [40] | ||||
BMD-20 | 200 mm multiple rocket launcher | 200 delivered in mid-1950s[41] | ||||
BM-24 | 240 mm multiple rocket launcher | 500 delivered in 1955 | ||||
M1985/M1991 | 240 mm rocket launcher | Estimated 200+ in service between both models[42][43] | Range estimates of 30–43–60–70 km (19–27–37–43 mi)[44][45] | |||
KN-09 | 300 mm guided rocket launcher | 10 estimated in 2016[46] | [47][48] | |||
KN-15 | 300 mm guided rocket launcher | 250 km range[49] Improved KN-09.[50] |
Anti-tank weapons[]
Name | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Man-portable anti-tank | ||||||
RPG-7 (local production with tandem warhead) | ||||||
Type 69 RPG (Chinese rocket-propelled grenade) | ||||||
RPO-A Shmel (assumed to be locally produced) | ||||||
Anti-tank guided missiles | ||||||
AT-3 Sagger (local production as Bulsae-1) | ||||||
AT-4 Spigot (local production as Bulsae-2, upgraded version designated Bulsae-3 uses laser guidance)[51][52][53] | ||||||
AT-5 Spandrel (assumed to be locally produced and used on Type 85 Susang) | ||||||
AT-7 Metis | ||||||
AT-9 Spiral-2 (unconfirmed)[54] | ||||||
AT-14 Spriggan (local production)[55][30][31][56] | ||||||
Recoilless rifles | ||||||
B-10 recoilless rifle | ||||||
B-11 recoilless rifle | ||||||
SPG-9 (local production) | ||||||
Self-propelled anti-tank guided missiles | ||||||
Type 85 Susang | ||||||
M-2018 ATGM (Anti-tank missile resembling Spike NLOS mounted on M-2010 6×6 APC)[57] | ||||||
Towed anti-tank cannon | ||||||
152mm extended D-20 derivative[citation needed] |
Anti-aircraft weapons[]
Name | Note | ||
---|---|---|---|
Man-portable air-defense systems[58] | |||
SA-7 MANPADS (locally produced) | |||
SA-14 MANPADS (locally produced) | |||
SA-16 MANPADS (locally produced) | |||
SA-18 MANPADS (locally produced) | |||
FIM-92A (locally produced) | |||
HN-5A (locally produced) | |||
Anti-aircraft artillery | |||
ZPU-4 (locally produced) | Has been seen linked to a 'Drum Tilt' radar to provide automated, radar guided fire.[59] | ||
M1939 | |||
Self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon | |||
ZSU-57-2 | Imported from Soviet Union. | ||
ZSU-23-4 | Imported from Soviet Union. | ||
M1984 14.5mm (locally produced) | Similar chassis to VTT-323, but features a ZPU-4 instead of turret. VTT-323 also seen with dual turret mounted 14.5mm machine gun.[60] | ||
M1985 57 mm (locally produced) | Indigenous turret fitted on chassis with six wheels on each side, −1 degree depression angle.[60] | ||
M1992 30 mm (locally produced) | Similar but taller turret to ZSU-23-4, fitted with twin 30mm, has radar on roof.[61] | ||
M1978 37 mm (locally produced) | Fitted on same chassis as Tokchon artillery, dual 37 mm autocannon, some fitted with raised windows for driver.[60] | ||
HT-16PGJ on 9K35 Strela-10 chassis | Replaces original Strela missiles with 4 missiles on each side.[60] |
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Categories:
- Military equipment of North Korea
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- Korean People's Army Ground Force