North Korean Infantry Suffers Heavy Losses in Kursk Offensive, Highlighting Effectiveness of US-Supplied Cluster Munitions
Kursk Oblast, Western Russia – The snowy battlefields of Kursk Oblast witnessed a fierce clash last weekend as North Korea’s 11th Army Corps, numbering up to 12,000 soldiers, launched a multi-pronged assault against Ukrainian positions. This marked the first major engagement for the North Korean contingent, which had been deployed to the region two months prior. Their objective was a 250-square-mile salient carved out by Ukrainian forces in August. The North Koreans faced a formidable defense bolstered by a controversial yet highly effective weapon: US-supplied cluster munitions.
The North Korean offensive focused on two key points: the village of Plekhove on the eastern flank and positions held by the Ukrainian 17th Heavy Mechanized Brigade on the opposite side. The assault on Plekhove, though initially hampered by Ukrainian mines and drone strikes, ultimately succeeded, albeit at a significant cost to the North Korean troops. However, the attack on the 17th Brigade’s positions appears to have been repelled. Drone footage of the battlefield vividly depicts the devastating impact of the US-supplied cluster munitions, likely Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munition (DPICM) artillery shells. The shells, dispersing dozens of grenade-sized submunitions over a wide area, inflicted heavy casualties on the advancing North Korean infantry.
The deployment of North Korean troops to the Kursk front underscores the escalating internationalization of the conflict in Ukraine. Their involvement comes as Russia grapples with manpower shortages and seeks to bolster its forces against a resilient Ukrainian defense. The North Korean soldiers, reportedly numbering in the thousands, represent a significant addition to the Russian war effort, although their combat effectiveness remains to be fully assessed. The high casualty rate suffered in their initial assault, however, raises questions about their preparedness and training for the intensity of the fighting in Ukraine.
The use of US-supplied cluster munitions by Ukrainian forces has proven to be a game-changer in the conflict. While controversial due to the potential risk posed by unexploded submunitions to civilians and friendly forces, their effectiveness against massed infantry formations is undeniable. The DPICM rounds, each containing 88 submunitions, offer a significantly higher kill rate compared to conventional artillery shells. This increased lethality allows Ukrainian artillery batteries to achieve the same battlefield effect with fewer rounds, conserving ammunition and extending the lifespan of their artillery pieces. This efficiency is crucial for Ukraine, which faces a significant disadvantage in artillery firepower compared to Russia.
The decision by the United States to provide Ukraine with cluster munitions was a contentious one, delayed for over a year after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion. The inherent risk of unexploded ordnance, potentially endangering civilians long after the conflict ends, weighed heavily on the decision-making process. However, Ukraine’s critical need for more effective artillery ammunition, coupled with the dwindling stockpiles of conventional shells, ultimately tipped the balance in favor of supplying the DPICMs. The US military itself is phasing out older DPICM rounds due to their high dud rate, sometimes exceeding 3%, in favor of newer, more reliable models.
The impact of cluster munitions on the battlefield dynamics in Kursk is evident. The high casualty rate suffered by the North Korean forces, estimated to be in the hundreds, directly attributes to the devastating power of the DPICM shells. The effectiveness of these munitions not only reduces enemy manpower but also contributes to preserving Ukraine’s limited artillery resources. By requiring fewer rounds to achieve the same effect, DPICMs extend the operational lifespan of Ukrainian artillery pieces, a critical factor in a protracted conflict. The arrival of these munitions, albeit delayed, has significantly bolstered Ukrainian defenses and allowed them to inflict heavy casualties on both Russian and now North Korean forces. The long-term consequences of this tactical advantage remain to be seen, but the impact on the Kursk front is undeniable.
