North Korean rocket launchers spotted in Russian arsenal
Recordings confirming the presence of North Korean M1991 MLRS artillery systems in Russian service have surfaced online. In a video that caught the attention of military journalist Yuriy Butusov, Russian soldiers are seen attaching improvised drone protection to the launcher.
According to Defence Express, this is the first video evidence of the North Korean M1991 MLRS artillery system in Russian service. Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukrainian military intelligence, claims that Russia has already received 120 of these units from North Korea, with more deliveries of similar size expected soon.
M1991 MLRS in Russian hands
The M1991 MLRS is a North Korean multiple rocket launcher system that has been a mainstay of North Korea's rocket artillery. Despite limited data and restricted access to official specifications, the M1991 is well-known for adapting Soviet solutions to enhance domestic military capabilities. It is considered comparable to the Soviet Uragan system.
Mounted on a 6x6 or 8x8 wheeled truck, the M1991's multi-rail launcher provides mobility and allows it to traverse rough terrain swiftly. The system can carry 12 to 22 rockets of 240 mm caliber, placing it between the traditional Grad launchers and heavier systems like the BM-30 Smerch.
The rockets fired from the M1991 have a range of approximately 19 to 37 miles, depending on the type of ammunition used. These missiles are presumably modeled on older Soviet designs, although their exact specifications are unknown. There is a possibility that North Korean variants feature modernized engines and warheads.
It's interesting to note that the M1991 comes in several versions, some of which have been identified during military parades, displaying variants with more advanced fire control cabins and modified launchers. The system likely does not utilize advanced guidance techniques; the rockets are unguided, resulting in limited accuracy over longer distances. However, through mass deployment, which is typical of North Korean military doctrine, the M1991 can pose a significant threat to infrastructure, military bases, and urban areas.
