Image source: topwar.ru
On September 10, a military parade was held in the DPRK, where, among other novelties, an unnamed multi-shot launcher mounted on a truck chassis with kamikaze drones located in it was presented.
The PU has 6 guides arranged in two rows. As indicated in the South Korean publication Bemil, the complex probably automatically controls the launch of drones – the angle and mode of their shooting (simultaneous or sequential). This makes it possible for one missile launcher to hit several targets at once, among which may include air defense systems, command posts and communication centers.
It is noted that the concept of using a North Korean kamikaze drone is similar to the Israeli Harop barrage ammunition from IAI, which operates on the principle of "find and destroy", which involves a long stay in the air after launch, search and defeat the target. The device can automatically detect sources of electromagnetic radiation from the enemy, and its optoelectronic/infrared sensor allows the operator to select targets for attack.
The Shahed [meaning "Geranium"], widely used on the Ukrainian front, has a key difference, despite its structural similarity. While Harop allows the operator to search for, reassign or cancel an attack after launch, providing a flexible response to a changing situation, Shahed performs autonomous flight at pre-programmed coordinates and hits the target without operator intervention.
Image Source: topwar.ru
As noted, the concept of using Shahed is designed for massive raids, while Harop is designed for flexible strikes against multiple targets. North Korea, according to the author, decided to follow the Israeli path.:
According to the South Korean author, the appearance of a new strike system in the DPRK demonstrates a structural shift in military strategy, indicating the transition from simple mass deployment of troops (primarily rocket launchers and artillery) to multi-purpose and distributed operations based on the introduction of UAVs.
- the author believes.
