North Korean artillery systems bolster Russian military forces
Recordings have surfaced online confirming the presence of North Korean M1991 MLRS artillery systems in Russian service. In the video, which caught the attention of military journalist Yuriy Butusov, Russian soldiers are seen mounting improvised drone protection on the launcher.
According to Defence Express, this is the first footage of the North Korean M1991 MLRS artillery system in Russian service. Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukrainian military intelligence, states that Russia has already received 120 of these units from North Korea, with further deliveries of a similar scale expected soon.
M1991 MLRS in the hands of Russians
The M1991 MLRS system is a North Korean multiple rocket launcher that has been a staple of North Korean rocket artillery for years. Despite limited data and lack of access to official specifications, the M1991 is well-known as a local adaptation of Soviet solutions and the development of domestic military capability, especially since the M1991 is considered equivalent to the Soviet Uragan system.
The M1991 is mounted on a 6x6 or 8x8 wheeled truck, providing mobility and the ability to traverse difficult terrain quickly. The system can carry 12 to 22 rockets of 240 mm calibre, placing it between traditional Grad launchers and heavier systems like the BM-30 Smerch.
Rockets launched from the M1991 have a range of about 31 to even 60 kilometres, depending on the ammunition type used. The rockets are presumably based on older Soviet designs, but their exact specifications are unknown. It is also possible they use North Korean variants with modernized engines and warheads.
It is noteworthy that the M1991 comes in several versions, some of which have been showcased during military parades, exhibiting variants with more advanced fire control cabins and modified launchers. The system likely does not use advanced guidance methods, as its rockets are unguided, limiting their accuracy at longer distances. However, when used in mass, which aligns with North Korean doctrine, the M1991 can pose a significant threat to infrastructure, military bases, and urban areas.
