Russia Deploys North Korean M1991 Rocket Systems in Ukraine War

In a new development in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, it has now been confirmed that Russian forces are using North Korean-made multiple rocket launch systems (MRLs) on the battlefield. This confirmation comes after Ukrainian journalist Yurii Butusov released intercepted video footage showing a North Korean M1991 240mm rocket launcher inside a Russian military hangar.

North Korean M1991 Rocket Launcher: An Overview

The M1991 is a North Korean multiple rocket launcher system designed to deliver overwhelming firepower against enemy targets. This truck-mounted system carries 22 launch tubes capable of firing 240mm unguided artillery rockets, and it can strike targets between 40 to 60 kilometers away. The sheer firepower of the M1991 makes it ideal for attacking fortified positions, defensive lines, and troop concentrations.

Though not equipped with modern precision-guided technology, the M1991 compensates with its volume-based saturation attacks, which are designed to overwhelm defenses rather than strike with pinpoint accuracy. Its main tactical strength lies in its ability to deliver rapid and devastating salvos in a short time, making it a dangerous weapon on the frontlines.

Recent Footage and Modifications

The video footage intercepted by Ukrainian sources showed the M1991 system undergoing modifications in a Russian facility. Notably, Russian troops appeared to be adding protective metal screens to shield the vehicle against First Person View (FPV) drone attacks, which Ukraine has been increasingly using for precise strikes on high-value targets.

This footage is the first visual confirmation of the M1991's presence in Russian service, although unconfirmed reports of its deployment had been circulating since November 2024.

Strategic Implications

The presence of these North Korean systems on the battlefield represents a significant development. While Russia already uses a wide variety of rocket artillery systems, the addition of the M1991 enhances its ability to launch large-scale area bombardments, even if accuracy is sacrificed. This could be particularly problematic for Ukrainian defenders facing massed infantry attacks or entrenched positions near the front lines.

Additionally, this development comes on top of existing reports that North Korea has also supplied Russia with short-range ballistic missiles and conventional artillery shells, increasing military cooperation between the two sanctioned nations.

As the war continues, the introduction of the M1991 highlights how global alliances and unconventional arms transfers are shaping the battlefield in Ukraine. Even older systems, when used effectively and in large numbers, can have a powerful impact on the outcome of tactical engagements.