North Korean MLRS strengthens Russia's artillery emphasis
Recordings have emerged online confirming the presence of North Korean M1991 MLRS artillery systems in Russian service. In the footage, which has 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 video evidence of the North Korean M1991 MLRS artillery system being used in Russian service. Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukrainian military intelligence, reports that Russia has already received 120 of these units from North Korea, with further deliveries of similar scale anticipated in the near future.
M1991 MLRS in the hands of Russians
The M1991 MLRS system is a North Korean multiple rocket launcher, which has been a cornerstone of North Korean rocket artillery for years. Despite limited data and restricted access to official specifications, the M1991 is recognised as a local adaptation of Soviet technologies, showcasing the development of North Korean military capabilities. The M1991 is considered equivalent to the Soviet Uragan system.
The M1991 is mounted on a 6x6 or 8x8 wheeled vehicle, offering mobility and the ability to traverse challenging terrain. The system can carry between 12 and 22 rockets with a calibre of 240 mm, positioning it between traditional Grad launchers and heavier systems like the BM-30 Smerch.
Rockets launched from the M1991 have a range of approximately 30 to 60 kilometres, depending on the type of ammunition used. The rockets are believed to be based on older Soviet designs, but their precise specifications remain undisclosed. It's also possible that they utilise North Korean variants with updated engines and warheads.
It is noteworthy that the M1991 comes in several versions, some of which have been spotted during military parades, displaying variants with more sophisticated fire control cabins and modified launchers. The system is unlikely to employ advanced guidance systems—its rockets are unguided, limiting accuracy at longer distances. However, when deployed en masse, as is typical in North Korean military doctrine, the M1991 can pose a significant threat to infrastructure, military installations, and urban areas.
