North Korean M1991 MLRS spotted in Russian hands against Ukraine for the first time
Photo: North Korean M1991 MLRS (Wikimedia)
A 240mm M1991 multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) from North Korea has been caught on video for the first time. Russian forces are reportedly using it against Ukrainian troops on the front line, reports Defense Express.
According to the outlet, Russian forces are armed with several types of North Korean artillery systems. However, the M1991 system — North Korea’s counterpart to the Soviet-made Uragan — had never been caught on camera until now.
Ukrainian journalist Yuriy Butusov published the footage showing the M1991 MLRS in Russian hands. The video appears to show the system stored inside a hangar, where Russian troops are equipping it with anti-drone protection.
The outlet added that the Russian military is expected to receive hundreds of artillery systems from North Korea.
The first video confirmation of the North Korean 240mm M1991 MLRS in Russia. Although, the appearance of these North Korean MLRS in Russia has been reported by intelligence for a long time. https://t.co/cMz5m8cXzi pic.twitter.com/tDUNIxJg07
— Special Kherson Cat (@bayraktar_1love) April 20, 2025
What is known about the M1991 MLRS
This MLRS is essentially a North Korean version of the 220mm Uragan. In addition to precision munitions, it can fire unguided rockets with a warhead weighing around 90 kg. The system is fitted with 22 launch tubes.
Earlier, Forbes reported that North Korea may have transferred M1991 systems to Russia. According to the publication, the North Korean military stores its M1991 launchers in mountain bunkers along the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. In wartime, these systems could be used to strike Seoul.
Reports suggested that these launchers are capable of targeting Ukrainian trenches and returning fire against Ukrainian howitzers and rocket launchers. The M1991 could also reach Kharkiv, which is located just 25 miles (40 kilometers) from the Russian-Ukrainian border.
Weapons from North Korea
Kyrylo Budanov, the Head of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, earlier said that North Korea plans to transfer 148 ballistic missiles to Russia in 2025. These would be KN-23 type missiles.
Budanov also said that Russia has significantly increased shell production, in part due to the supply of North Korean munitions. He claimed that 50% of the artillery shells used by Russian forces are now of North Korean origin.
