Moscow, April 11, 2026 : Recent field reports and visual evidence dated April 9, 2026 indicate that Russian military units have begun integrating the North Korean-manufactured Type-75 107 mm multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) onto the NRTK “Kurier” unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). The development combines imported artillery systems with domestically produced robotic platforms to deliver crewless, stand-off fire support in frontline conditions.
System Integration and Configuration
Footage released in April 2026 shows the tracked NRTK “Kurier” platform configured with a 12-tube Type-75 launcher mounted directly onto its chassis. The integration enables remote-controlled firing of 107 mm rockets without the presence of onboard personnel. Some observed configurations indicate partial tube loading during testing phases, suggesting ongoing adjustments to weight distribution and firing stability.
The Type-75 MLRS, originally produced in North Korea and based on the Chinese Type 63 system, was first observed in Russian service in Ukraine in June 2025. Prior to its integration with the UGV, Russian forces deployed the launcher primarily in towed configurations or mounted it onto UAZ-3303 utility vehicles. In those vehicle-mounted setups, operators removed the carriage wheels and welded the launcher directly to the vehicle body, a modification that often limited horizontal traverse and targeting flexibility.
Type-75 MLRS Capabilities
The Type-75 is a lightweight artillery system equipped with 12 launch tubes capable of firing a full salvo within approximately 7 to 15 seconds, depending on operational conditions. Each rocket measures around 840 millimeters in length and weighs between 18 and 19 kilograms.
The system has an effective firing range of approximately 8.5 to 8.6 kilometers. It supports multiple ammunition types, including high-explosive fragmentation rounds such as the RSZO-107-OF and cluster munitions containing up to 15 submunitions per rocket. Supplies of compatible ammunition have reportedly included North Korean and Chinese-manufactured variants.
NRTK “Kurier” Platform Specifications
The NRTK “Kurier,” also referred to as the Courier or Kuryer, is a modular unmanned ground platform developed for multi-role battlefield applications. The vehicle measures approximately 1.4 meters in length, 1.2 meters in width, and 58 centimeters in height, with a total weight of around 250 kilograms.
The platform is powered by two electric motors and can reach speeds of up to 35 kilometers per hour. Its battery system supports operational endurance ranging from 12 to 72 hours, with a functional control range of 3 to 10 kilometers depending on communication configuration. Some variants incorporate fiber-optic cable control to maintain functionality in environments affected by electronic warfare.
Initially deployed to Russian units in late 2024, including motorized rifle brigades, the “Kurier” has been used for logistics transport, casualty evacuation, mine-laying, engineering reconnaissance, and route clearance of anti-personnel mines. Its modular architecture allows rapid adaptation for combat roles.
Previous Weapon Configurations
Before the integration of the Type-75 MLRS, the “Kurier” platform had been fitted with a range of weapon systems. These include automatic grenade launchers such as the AGS-17 and AGS-30, machine guns in 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm calibers, thermobaric rocket systems including Shmel modules, and the Bagulnik-82 automated 82 mm mortar system.
Trials conducted in April 2026 demonstrated the Bagulnik-82 configuration performing automated loading and firing sequences from a rotating turret without onboard crew. The addition of the 107 mm rocket launcher extends the platform’s strike capability to nearly nine kilometers, exceeding the range of previously integrated systems.
Operational Context and Tactical Role
The integration of the Type-75 MLRS onto an unmanned platform reflects adjustments to battlefield conditions characterized by dense aerial surveillance and the widespread use of first-person view (FPV) strike drones. Traditional short-range artillery operations require crews to deploy, fire, and relocate quickly, exposing personnel to counter-battery fire and drone attacks.
By transferring the MLRS to a remotely operated platform, Russian units can position the launcher closer to contested areas, including trench lines, and conduct fire missions without exposing personnel to direct risk. The system allows operators to execute strike missions from protected positions behind the front line.
If the unmanned platform is destroyed during operation, the loss is limited to equipment rather than trained artillery crews. This approach aligns with ongoing efforts to expand the use of unmanned systems in combat support roles.
Program Development
The NRTK “Kurier” program progressed from field testing completed by the end of 2023 to operational deployment beginning in late 2024. Since then, Russian forces have continued to experiment with additional payloads and configurations as part of broader efforts to enhance unmanned combat capabilities.
As of April 11, 2026, no official information has been released regarding production volumes, deployment scale, or future variants of the Type-75-equipped “Kurier” system. However, continued field testing and released footage indicate that development and evaluation of this configuration remain ongoing.
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