N. Korea Sends MLRS Disguised as Civilian Trucks to Russia: Report
North Korea has reportedly transferred 122mm Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) to Russia, camouflaging them as civilian trucks to avoid detection.
A video circulating on social media shows a suspicious vehicle stationed in Russia’s Kursk region, where intense fighting erupted following Ukraine’s surprise incursion in August 2024.
The truck drew attention due to its striking resemblance to a military asset displayed during North Korea’s 75th anniversary celebration in September 2023.
The key difference between the vehicles in Russia and the MLRS seen in North Korea is the inscriptions. Both versions feature 12 tube launchers, which deploy when the truck’s roof opens.
The exact timing of the MLRS sighting in Russia remains unclear.
N. Korean 122mm MLRS filmed in Kursk. pic.twitter.com/fziMy5lfTW
— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝕯𝔢𝔞𝔡 𝕯𝔦𝔰𝔱𝔯𝔦𝔠𝔱△ 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇺🇲🇬🇷 (@TheDeadDistrict) January 23, 2025
An Old Tactic
Military disguise has long been a strategy to evade sophisticated detection systems employed by adversaries.
Both Russia and Ukraine have used deception to gain a tactical edge in their ongoing conflict.
In April 2024, Moscow deployed decoy aircraft on airfield tarmacs to mislead Ukraine’s artillery units. Ukraine has also employed similar tactics, claiming it tricked Russian forces into believing they had destroyed Ukrainian fighter jets.
Disguising North Korean MLRS as civilian trucks would reportedly allow Russia to move and relocate the weapons after firing, without raising immediate suspicion.
This tactic would buy more time before the enemy uncovers the truth and can launch a destructive strike.
Deeper Military Alliance
The sighting of the North Korean MLRS in Kursk highlights the growing military collaboration between Moscow and Pyongyang.
In 2024, the two nations signed a mutual defense treaty, obligating them to provide military assistance “without delay” if either is attacked.
In addition to supplying weapons and military equipment, North Korea has reportedly become directly involved in the conflict, sending at least 10,000 troops to support Russian forces.