On the Novopavlivka front, Ukraine's Raid 413th Battalion, part of the Unmanned Systems Forces, has eliminated a rare and potent asset in russia's artillery arsenal, North Korean M1991 multiple launch rocket system. The destruction was carried out with a precision drone strike, adding to the growing record of successful FPV drone operations by Ukrainian forces.
According to official reports, the drone operator managed to strike one of the rockets mounted on the launch rails of the M1991 system. The impact triggered a sympathetic detonation, the warhead ignited, piercing through the crew compartment and setting off the remaining ammunition. The resulting explosion completely destroyed the system, rendering it beyond repair.
Read more: Ukraine Hits russian Rear with Drone Strike on the REM-KL System and Artillery
The M1991 is a 240 mm caliber MLRS developed by North Korea and considered an analog to Soviet-designed Uragan 220 mm system. However, it boasts a longer range of up to 60 kilometers and fires larger rockets, increasing its potential lethality. Its destruction not only represents a tactical win, but also provides valuable intelligence on the evolving makeup of russia's artillery forces.
This incident marks one of the few confirmed cases of North Korean M1991 systems being deployed by russian forces. The first visual evidence of their use surfaced only in April 2025. Their presence has raised questions about the scale and nature of Pyongyang's support for Moscow amid international sanctions and arms embargoes.
The battlefield elimination of such a system suggests several operational implications. First, russia is likely compensating for the depletion of its Soviet-era MLRS stockpiles by importing rare and outdated systems from allied or sanctioned states. Second, Ukraine's drone units continue to demonstrate that advanced or unfamiliar weapons can still be neutralized with relatively low-cost, asymmetric tools.
As Defense Express previously reported, operators from Ukraine's 14th Separate UAV Regiment have carried out another strike on russian military assets located deep behind the front lines in Donetsk region. According to an official statement from the unit, the latest operation resulted in the destruction of rare REM-KL armored recovery vehicle and a self-propelled artillery system of unspecified type.
The REM-KL system is designed to provide repair and evacuation support for armored vehicles in the field. Its destruction may limit the ability of russian forces to recover and maintain damaged equipment in certain sectors. While not a frontline combat vehicle, the loss of such support assets can gradually impact logistical and technical operations.
Read more: Recent SOF Operation Included the Destruction of russian Zoopark Radar, Gvozdika SPG, and D-30 Howitzer
