North Korea's disguised rocket launchers arrive in Kursk
A recording has emerged online indicating that the Russians have begun receiving another type of weaponry from North Korea. This time, they are rocket launchers, commonly known from military parades in Pyongyang, disguised as civilian trucks.
The recording was released by the Russians. The equipment shown is likely situated somewhere in the Kursk region or will be dispatched there soon. David Axe, writing for Forbes, notes that North Korean soldiers are combating Ukrainians in this area.
Disguised launchers from North Korea for Russia
The analyst also points out that the North Korean equipment delivered to Russia has already been displayed to the world. It was featured during military parades in Pyongyang in 2023 and 2024.
Kim Jong Un's army proudly exhibited various types of equipment, some of which were mocked. On social media, particularly tractors and civilian trucks, and dump trucks with concealed rocket launchers received widespread comments.
New Russian equipment may be of little use
David Axe argues that such weapons may be of little significance in the battle for the Kursk region. It is likely a rocket launcher based on the Soviet BM-21 Grad, which the Russians frequently use in this war. The firepower, therefore, involves using 122mm caliber shells.
However, as the American armed forces have explained in their analyses, the heavy camouflage of the entire system means it has less accuracy than typical artillery and cannot be used in situations that require high precision.
A challenge for operators of this type of equipment may also be the fact that in the Kursk region, Ukrainians possess a substantial amount of artillery and, notably, drones, which effectively counter Russian and North Korean attacks. Drones are even dealing with Russian tanks, and an unarmoured truck presents a much easier target.
"The Ukrainians have rarely hesitated to blow up civilian-style vehicles they locate near the front line. They’ll surely hesitate even less now that they know the North Koreans are stashing rockets in box trucks," David Axe concludes.
