Breaking News: Ukraine Intel Reports North Korea Supplying Russia with 240mm MLRS rocket launchers.

A report from the British newspaper “Financial Times,” published on November 16, 2024, confirmed the delivery of North Korean artillery systems to enhance the artillery capabilities of Russian forces in Ukraine. These include the advanced M1989 Koksan 170mm self-propelled howitzer and an unspecified number of 240mm Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS). The information, reportedly provided by Ukrainian military intelligence, underscores a deepening partnership between North Korea and Russia.
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A 240mm MLRS M-1991, the latest generation of North Korea's multiple launch rocket systems, was showcased during a military parade in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea. (Picture source: North Korea News Agency)

While the "Financial Times" reports that North Korea has delivered its latest generation of 240mm MLRS, details regarding the specific variants remain unclear. North Korea’s arsenal of 240mm MLRS includes the M-1985, M1989, and M1991, all designed for heavy saturation bombardment and highly effective in area denial operations. It is unknown which of these systems have been supplied to Russia, leaving room for speculation about their potential battlefield impact. 

All three variants of the 240mm MLRS in North Korea’s inventory are formidable, offering significant firepower. The M-1985 is a towed system capable of launching a barrage of rockets for area suppression. The M1989 is a self-propelled version, enhancing mobility and survivability, while the M1991, the most advanced variant, potentially features improved accuracy and range. Regardless of the specific model, these systems provide Russia with additional tactical flexibility in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Their ability to strike targets at long distances with high volumes of rockets can disrupt supply chains, fortifications, and troop concentrations. 

Despite these reports being informed by Ukrainian military intelligence, the information cannot currently be independently verified. While claims of North Korean MLRS systems operating alongside Russian forces in Ukraine have surfaced, no direct evidence, such as images or videos of the systems in deployment, has been made public. The potential confirmation of such visual evidence would significantly bolster these allegations and provide insight into how and where these systems are being used in the conflict. 

The delivery of North Korean military hardware, including the long-range M1989 Koksan 170mm howitzer, marks a troubling development for Ukraine and its Western allies. These systems may bolster Russia's firepower on the battlefield, potentially aiding in offensive or defensive operations across contested regions. The lack of clarity on the specific type of 240mm MLRS delivered also complicates intelligence assessments, as each variant has unique capabilities that could influence Russia’s operational strategies. 

South Korea, which fields the same 240mm MLRS variants in its military, is particularly concerned about the proliferation of such systems. While South Korea uses these systems for defensive purposes, their transfer to Russia highlights the potential for destabilization in regional and global security dynamics. 

Although details on the 240mm MLRS models delivered remain unknown, the confirmation of North Korea’s arms transfers to Russia signifies a concerning shift in military cooperation between the two nations. This development will likely lead to intensified efforts by Ukraine and its allies to counter these systems on the battlefield, as well as diplomatic moves to isolate Pyongyang further. Further updates will follow as more verified information becomes available.