The power of North Korea's mysterious Bulsae-4 anti-tank missile

Having just appeared in real combat, North Korea's mysterious anti-tank missile has surprised global military observers.

North Korea's advanced Bulsae-4 anti-tank missile, which caused a stir when it appeared in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Footage of the weapon's use in the winter war in the Kursk region was shown in a report posted on North Korean TV.

The Bulsae-4, also known as the M-2018, is North Korea's advanced anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) combat vehicle designed to conduct combat operations against armored threats. The system is part of North Korea's ongoing efforts to modernize its military technology and improve the effectiveness of its infantry units in combat situations.

The system has attracted international attention since it appeared during the conflict in Ukraine, particularly in the Kursk region, as reported by sources from The War Zone (TWZ), NK News , and Reuters .

The Bulsae-4 missile has an estimated range of 10 to 25 km, depending on battlefield conditions and specific configuration. This range is superior to many conventional ATGM systems, allowing attacks from a safe distance, beyond the range of enemy defense systems.

The Bulsae-4 uses a combined guidance system, including an electro-optical seeker and command guidance. This system allows the operator to control the missile via video signals (man-in-the-loop), using fiber optic connections or radio signals, depending on the version.

This feature allows the missile to attack targets that are not in direct line of sight, overcoming natural or artificial obstacles. The Bulsae-4 system is usually mounted on a 6-wheeled M-2010 armored vehicle or specialized military trucks.

However, according to NK News , North Korea has adapted the system to be deployed on light SUVs or conventional pickup trucks, increasing mobility and camouflage on the battlefield.

The missile is designed with a top-attack mode, targeting the roof of an armored vehicle – an area that typically has the thinnest armor. This increases the effectiveness of destroying targets such as tanks or armored vehicles.

With its long range and advanced guidance system, the Bulsae-4 allows the operator to engage targets from a concealed position, reducing the risk of detection and counterattack. This feature is similar to advanced ATGM systems such as Israel's Spike NLOS, allowing targets to be engaged behind obstacles or at long distances without direct contact.

The shift from an armored vehicle platform to a pickup truck or SUV shows North Korea’s rapid adaptation to battlefield conditions. These vehicles are lighter, more maneuverable and harder to detect than traditional armored vehicles, especially in areas like Kursk where the terrain is difficult and surveillance drones are common.

NK News reported that the Bulsae-4 was successfully used against Ukrainian armored vehicles in the Kursk region in the winter of 2024-2025. While it is unclear whether Russia has fully adopted the Bulsae-4, the use of the system indicates increasingly close military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.

Bulsae-4 system opens fire to destroy Ukrainian target.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/suc-manh-ten-lua-chong-tang-bulsae-4-bi-an-cua-trieu-tien-post2149049680.html