Russian forces receive first North Korean MLRS, over 200 more expected - Defense Express

Journalist Yuriy Butusov drew attention to the video of the M1991 in the possession of the Russian military. He released footage showing how Russian soldiers are installing anti-drone protection on this MLRS in a hangar, as reported on April 20, 2025, by the Ukrainian outlet specializing in military affairs, Defense Express.

In the footage, a Russian repairman films the installation of a metal frame for the anti-drone net on the M1991 and sends "hello" to the Russian city of Belgorod.

As of January this year, the head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, reported that Russia had received 120 MLRS units from North Korea and was expected to receive the same number of systems in the near future.

Regarding the M1991 MLRS, North Korea demonstrated testing of its "high-precision" 240mm MLRS in May last year. Essentially, this system is an analogue of the 220mm Uragan. In addition to "high-precision" ammunition, it fires unguided shells with a warhead weighing approximately 90 kg. The system has 22 launchers, according to details provided by Defense Express.

• Recently, the Russian army has been using North Korean artillery shells in combat against Ukraine. Millions of ammunition are regularly arriving at Russia's Far East from the Rajin port (North Korea).