North Korea Unveils Powerful New 240mm MLRS Capable of Firing Guided Missiles.

North Korea has unveiled a new locally-made 240mm Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), following pictures published on the Internet on May 11, 2024. This advanced system is built on a 6x6 truck chassis, with a crew cab at the front and a launcher rocket station at the rear. The rocket launcher vehicle is equipped with two groups of 11 launcher tubes arranged in three rows.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

North Korea has conducted firing tests with a new locally-made 240mm Multiple Launch Rocket System. (Picture source KCNA)

This new MLRS is a step forward in the North Korean artillery system, which is also focused on the development of 300-mm MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System). The 240-mm version has now been introduced, which is fitted with an automatic fire control system,  and is able to fire standard rockets as well as guided missiles.

The military asserts that the newly upgraded MLRS is highly maneuverable and capable of executing massive strikes. During tests, eight launched projectiles successfully hit a point target, demonstrating the precision and destructive capabilities of the new system. These results underline the potential of the 240-mm MLRS and its guided missiles to significantly enhance the strike capabilities of the Korean People's Army (KPA).

The new artillery system will enter into service between 2024 and 2026, replacing the existing armaments of the North Korean armed forces. This upgrade reflects North Korea's ongoing efforts to modernize its military technology and increase its operational readiness in a rapidly evolving regional security environment.

The newly unveiled 240mm MLRS is mounted on a 6x6 truck chassis, featuring a crew cab at the front and a rocket launcher station at the back. This launcher station is equipped with two groups of 11 tube launchers, divided in three rows, with three tubes in the first row and four tubes in each of the second and third rows. During its testing, eight projectiles were successfully fired and precisely hit a designated target, effectively demonstrating the enhanced capabilities and destructive power of the upgraded 240-mm MLRS and its guided missiles.

For many years, North Korea has increased the development of its military capabilities, with a particular emphasis on enhancing its artillery systems through technologies like the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). These systems are critical for delivering explosive payloads rapidly across wide areas, which is essential for saturation and suppression roles in modern warfare.

The evolution of North Korea's MLRS includes significant improvements in range and payload. These enhancements enable the systems to strike deeper and with more force, broadening the scope of their strategic utility. Additionally, the incorporation of guided missile technology into the MLRS platforms, as seen with the 300-mm and the newer 240-mm systems, marks a substantial advancement in their precision. Guided missiles help minimize collateral damage and improve the accuracy of strikes, making them more effective against specific, strategic targets.

Overall, North Korea's focus on developing these systems locally underscores its broader commitment to self-reliance in defense capabilities. This not only boosts its military strength but also reduces dependency on external sources for critical military equipment.