North Korea Army

The Korean People's Army Ground Force (KPAGF) operates under the direct command of the Central Military Commission and the General Staff Department. Command structure is organized into multiple corps-level formations. Forward-deployed infantry corps—specifically the I, II, IV, and V Corps—are positioned along the Demilitarized Zone. Rear-area defense functions are assigned to the III, VII, IX, and X Corps. Mobile combat forces are held within mechanized corps, including the 806th, 815th, 108th, and 425th Mechanized Corps, alongside the 105th Armored Division and 820th Armored Corps. Indirect fire assets are organized under the 620th Artillery Corps, while the Capital Defense Command oversees security in Pyongyang. Unconventional warfare and rapid insertion operations fall under the XI Corps.

Armor units operate older main battle tanks, including T-54/55, Type 59, and indigenously modified T-62 derivatives such as the Chonma-ho, Pokpung-ho, and Songun-915. Mechanized infantry units field BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles, BTR-60 and BTR-80 armored personnel carriers, and wheeled 8x8 armored transport vehicles. The ground forces maintain an artillery corps equipped with towed and self-propelled guns, including 170mm M-1978 and M-1989 Koksan self-propelled guns, 122mm and 152mm howitzers, 240mm M-1991 multiple rocket launchers, and 600mm KN-25 super-large rocket artillery. Anti-tank units use Bulsae anti-tank guided missiles mounted on light armored platforms. Ground air defense relies on mobile anti-aircraft guns, man-portable air defense systems, and Pon'gae surface-to-air missile systems.

Domestic armor production at plants such as the Kusong facility centers on the Cheonma-2 main battle tank series. Modern variants incorporate 125mm smoothbore guns, composite armor, explosive reactive armor, active protection systems, and upgraded fire-control systems. Artillery modernization focuses on long-range guided rocket launchers and self-propelled guns. Technology transfers have accelerated through bilateral military agreements with Russia, resulting in the exchange of artillery ammunition and ballistic missiles for Russian air defense, electronic warfare, and drone technology.

The primary mission of the KPAGF is territorial defense, regime protection, and cross-border strike capabilities. Ground units gained combat experience following deployments to western Russia and the Kursk region in 2025 and 2026. Deployed elements include special operations troops from the XI Corps, infantry formations, and specialized ballistic missile units operating alongside Russian military forces.