They Look Like Regular Trucks, But What They’re Hiding Will Blow Your Mind!

In a move that’s raising eyebrows and sparking concerns, North Korea has sent rocket launchers cleverly concealed inside civilian trucks to Russia. These hidden weapons are now being used in the ongoing conflict against Ukrainian forces. The unusual strategy is part of an escalating partnership between Russia and North Korea as they attempt to counter a Ukrainian offensive.

During a 2023 military parade in Pyongyang, North Korea unveiled these covert launchers—box trucks and dump trucks retrofitted to carry multiple-launch rocket systems. Fast-forward to today, and these disguised weapons have been spotted in Kursk Oblast, near the frontlines of intense fighting. This region is the epicenter of a major battle where 60,000 Russian and North Korean troops are attempting to dislodge 20,000 Ukrainian soldiers from a key area they captured last August.

The incognito rocket launchers are equipped with 12 tubes, each capable of firing 122-millimeter rockets up to 19 miles. While this tactic may offer a surprise element, the practicality of these systems on an active battlefield is debatable.

More North Korean Weapons in Russia

These box truck launchers are just one part of North Korea’s military contributions to Russia. Alongside these disguised vehicles, North Korea’s arsenal in the region includes Bulsae-4 anti-tank missile systems, M1989 170-millimeter howitzers, and M1991 240-millimeter rocket launchers.

The North Korean 11th Army Corps, initially 12,000 strong when it arrived in Russia last October, has already faced heavy losses—losing one-third of its troops in relentless assaults on Ukrainian positions. Adding to the chaos, at least one rare Tor air-defense system provided by North Korea was mistakenly destroyed by Russian forces, who confused it for a Ukrainian weapon.

A Questionable Tactical Advantage

The idea behind the box truck launchers is clear: they blend in with civilian traffic, making it easier to maneuver them into position for surprise attacks. However, this disguise is unlikely to offer much protection on the battlefield.

“The system has lower precision than typical artillery and cannot be used in situations that call for pinpoint accuracy,” the U.S. Army noted in an assessment of North Korea’s BM-21 launcher, upon which these disguised systems are based. Instead, the launchers rely on saturating an area with rockets to achieve a desired impact.

/1. North Korean 122mm MLRS disguised as civilian trucks have been spotted in Russia, on the Kursk front. This is the first time this North Korean MLRS has been spotted in Russia.

— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) 2025-01-23T08:51:40.997Z

This lack of precision may limit their effectiveness in an environment where Ukrainian forces are skilled at targeting and destroying enemy equipment. With drones and artillery on high alert, the chances of these disguised trucks evading detection are slim.

Escalation in Kursk

The battle for Kursk is shaping up to be a critical test for these covert launchers. While North Korean commanders may hope to mass enough trucks for a significant barrage, the realities of the battlefield suggest otherwise. Since the start of the broader war in Ukraine, Russia has lost over 250 BM-21 launchers. For North Korea’s disguised trucks to make an impact, they’d need to deploy in large numbers—a strategy that’s fraught with risks.

Ukrainian forces have already shown a willingness to destroy civilian-style vehicles near the front lines, fully aware of the potential for hidden threats. With the knowledge that North Korean rockets are being concealed in box trucks, Ukraine will likely double down on targeting any such vehicles in the area.

A Desperate Move?

The deployment of these disguised launchers highlights the lengths to which Russia and North Korea are willing to go in this protracted war. While the strategy may appear innovative, its effectiveness remains highly questionable. For now, the battle in Kursk serves as a grim reminder of how unconventional tactics are reshaping modern warfare—and the devastating consequences for those caught in the crossfire.