DONETSK, June 27, 2025 — For the first time since the beginning of the war, Ukrainian forces have destroyed a long-range North Korean M1991 multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) operated by Russian troops in the Donetsk region.
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The attack was carried out by soldiers of the Ukrainian “Raid” battalion, which specializes in unmanned systems. According to a video posted on Telegram by the unit itself, the target was hit by a remotely detonated attack drone.
The footage shows the moment the UAV strikes one of the system’s rockets, causing the accidental launch of a missile that pierces the vehicle’s cabin. The impact then triggers a fire and a catastrophic explosion, completely destroying the launcher.
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First confirmed combat loss
According to the military, the operation took place in the Novopavlivka direction. This marks the first time a M1991—originally a North Korean weapon—has been destroyed in combat by Ukrainian forces. The presence of this model in Russian service was only confirmed recently, in April 2025following the release of videos by Russian military channels.
What is the M1991?
The M1991 MLRS is a 240 mm rocket launcher developed by North Korea in the late 1980s as an attempt to replicate the Soviet BM-27 wrapped system. The launcher carries 22 rockets and was originally mounted on a Chinese CQ25290 truck chassis. The standard crew includes two operators, a driver, and a commander.
The standard range of the M1991 rockets is 60 kilometersbut upgrades reported in 2024 suggest it may now reach up to 80 kilometers.
The destruction of this system marks a significant milestone in drone warfare, showcasing Ukraine’s growing ability to neutralize strategic foreign-made weaponry on the battlefield.
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Source and images: militarnyi.com | Telegram @raid_413 This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
