Russia deploys North Korean M1991 240mm rocket launchers to strengthen its artillery advantage in Ukraine.

According to Lt. Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, on November 29, 2024, North Korea reportedly transferred its M1991 240-mm multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) to Russia on November 29, 2024, along with other military equipment as part of a broader arms shipment. Kovalenko stated that this delivery included over 100 pieces of equipment, such as M-1989 Koksan self-propelled howitzers, KN-23 ballistic missiles, and more than five million artillery shells. These transfers are expected to strengthen Russia’s artillery capabilities amid its substantial losses of equipment in Ukraine.
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The M1991 is a key component of North Korea’s artillery brigade, known as "Jangsa Jeongpo," which maintains pressure on South Korea, particularly near the Korean Demilitarized Zone, also known as the DMZ. (Picture source: KCNA)

The M1991 MLRS is a road-mobile system developed by North Korea for launching unguided, spin-stabilized 240-mm rockets. It can fire a full salvo of 22 rockets within 45 seconds, with a range of 40 to 60 kilometers. Each rocket weighs approximately 497 kilograms, including a 90-kilogram warhead. Payload options include high-explosive, smoke, incendiary, and potentially chemical warheads. The system is mounted on 6x6 truck chassis, such as the Roman Diesel, Hongyang 6x6, Shacman Steyr 6x6, or MAZ-6317, allowing for mobility and rapid deployment. It transitions from transport to combat readiness in two minutes and can withdraw in six minutes.

The M1991 is part of a series that includes the earlier M1985 system. Both systems are based on the Soviet-era BM-24 launcher, with additional influences from Chinese and Russian designs. North Korea is estimated to have approximately 200 M1985 and M1991 launchers deployed in semi-hardened artillery positions. These systems are designed for area bombardments and are used alongside other long-range systems, such as the 170-mm Koksan self-propelled howitzers and the 300-mm KN-09 rocket systems.

The M1991 is a key component of North Korea’s artillery brigade, known as "Jangsa Jeongpo," which projects military power and maintains pressure on South Korea, particularly near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), and North Korea reportedly developed the Juche-100, an upgraded version of the M1991. The M1991 has also been exported to countries such as Iran and Myanmar. In Iran, a modified version of the earlier M1985 is known as the Fajr-3. Reports suggest North Korea has worked to increase the range of its 240-mm rockets to 120 kilometers, though these claims remain unverified.

In Ukraine, the M1991’s capabilities align with Russia’s need for systems designed for area suppression, making them effective against large targets such as urban areas, military installations, and logistical hubs. This transfer is significant, as Russia has faced substantial losses in artillery systems since February 2022, with more than 440 multiple launch rocket systems reportedly destroyed. While the M1991 lacks guidance and therefore precision, this limitation is shared with several Russian MLRS, such as the BM-21 Grad, BM-27 Uragan, and BM-30 Smerch, which also rely on unguided rockets for area suppression.

Since February 2022, North Korea has progressively supported Russia’s military activities in Ukraine. In July 2022, North Korea officially recognized the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics. In September 2022, U.S. intelligence reported that Russia had acquired artillery shells and rockets from North Korea to sustain its operations in Ukraine. By September 2023, Army Recognition reported that North Korea planned to supply Russia with multiple-launch rocket systems, 170-mm M1989 Koksan self-propelled artillery, and missiles, enhancing Russia’s military capabilities with long-range precision strike options and extensive artillery support.

In 2024, several reports indicated that over 10,000 North Korean personnel were deployed in Russia, with some engaged near the front lines. In June 2024, a treaty for comprehensive strategic partnership between North Korea and Russia was also signed, committing both nations to mutual military cooperation. Following this agreement, North Korea reportedly supplied Russia with long-range rocket and artillery systems, including 50 M1989 howitzers and 20 upgraded 240-mm multiple launch rocket systems, deployed in Russia's Kursk region for use against Ukrainian forces. Additionally, in November 2024, North Korea formally ratified this defense treaty, further solidifying its military partnership with Russia.