A video circulating on social media appears to confirm that Russian forces are using the North Korean-made M1991 240mm multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) in Ukraine.
The footage, released by Ukrainian journalist Yurii Butusov, shows one of the systems inside a Russian military hangar.
The first video confirmation of the North Korean 240mm M1991 MLRS in Russia. Although, the appearance of these North Korean MLRS in Russia has been reported by intelligence for a long time. https://t.co/cMz5m8cXzi pic.twitter.com/tDUNIxJg07
— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) April 20, 2025
The M1991 is mounted on a 6×6 truck and has 22 launch tubes. It fires unguided, spin-stabilized 240mm rockets with a range of 40 to 60 kilometers, depending on the variant. Each rocket weighs about 407 kilograms and can carry a 90-kilogram warhead. Warhead types may include high-explosive, incendiary, smoke, or potentially chemical payloads.
The system is based on the Soviet 220mm Uragan but fires a slightly larger rocket.
The M1991 in the video appears to be undergoing modifications, including the addition of protective mesh screens. These changes are likely intended to protect the system from Ukrainian first-person-view drone attacks, which have targeted high-value Russian equipment on the front lines.
This marks the first visual confirmation that Russia is using the M1991 MLRS, although Forbes had already reported months ago that North Korea may have supplied Russia with the rocket system.
According to Forbes, North Korea stores its M1991 systems in mountain bunkers near the demilitarized zone with South Korea.
Intelligence sources previously suggested that North Korea sent at least 120 of these systems to Russia, along with M1989 Koksan 170mm self-propelled guns and KN-23 short-range ballistic missiles.
Russian officials have not publicly confirmed the use of North Korean weapons in Ukraine.
