Bulsae-4
North Korean anti-tank guided missile
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The Bulsae-4[a] (Korean: 불새-4; lit. 'Phoenix-4') is a North Korean anti-tank guided missile.
| Bulsae-4 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Anti-tank guided missile |
| Place of origin | North Korea |
| Service history | |
| Used by | North Korea Russia |
| Wars | Russo-Ukrainian war |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 2010 (combat vehicle) 2018 (missile) |
| Manufacturer | North Korea |
| Specifications | |
Operational range | 10–25 km (6.2–15.5 mi) |
Guidance system | Electro-optical seeker combined with command guidance |
Launch platform | Armoured launcher Pickup truck launcher |
Description
The Bulsae-4 is considered to be the "most advanced anti-tank weapon systems in the world", according to North Korean state media.[2] It bears external similarities to Israel's Spike[1] and also possesses technological features similar to United States's FGM-148 Javelin and China's HJ-10.[3] It features non-line-of-sight (NLOS) attack capability,[4] allowing Bulsae-4 to be used from cover. However, it relies on reconnaissance drones to spot targets.[5] Bulsae-4 uses electro-optical seeker combined with command guidance, allowing the missile to be controlled using video signal, optical cable or radio connection. Its range is estimated to be 10–25 km (6.2–15.5 mi).[6]
Bulsae-4 is designed as a module weapon system that can be mounted on a 6x6 armoured vehicle,[7] or a six-tube pickup truck chassis. A shoulder-mounted variant is also under development.[3] The 6x6 wheeled combat vehicle is based on the M-2010 armored personnel carrier,[8] estimated to be 7.65 m (25.1 ft) long and 2.9 m (9 ft 6 in) wide. It can accommodate up to eight missile tubes.[9]
According to North Korea, the Bulsae-4, which is officially called "tactical guided weapon", has sufficient military value to replace multiple rocket launchers. It is planned to be deployed within key military units in the Korean People's Army starting from the first half of 2026.[10]
History
The combat vehicle of Bulsae-4 was introduced in 2010.[9] Around 2018, the missile was introduced. Since then, Bulsae-4 has been displayed in military parades and exhibitions.[8]
Mass production
It was reported that Bulsae-4 has entered mass production.[11] During an inspection in a munition factory on 3 January 2026,[10][12] North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered to expanded production of Bulsae-4 by 2.5 times.[13]
Combat use in Ukraine
The Bulsae-4 is reported to be used during Russian invasion of Ukraine.[14] In August 2024, it was first spotted in Ukraine,[7] as an image captured from a Ukrainian drone purportedly showed a Bulsae-4 vehicle operating near Kharkiv.[15]