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North Korea Reveals Its Own Copy of US HIMARS—With Twice the Launch Tubes
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
North Korea has unveiled a new multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) that appears to mirror aspects of the US-built M142 HIMARS, according to Defence Blog on October 11.
The system was revealed during a recent military parade in Pyongyang and is believed to represent a new direction in the country’s artillery development.
During a military convoy through the streets of Pyongyang, North Korea displayed an unidentified rocket artillery system featuring several new launch vehicles.
While no formal designation or performance details have been released, the vehicles appear to incorporate design principles commonly found in modern Western artillery systems.
According to Defence Blog, the platform includes a self-loading mechanism and an armored cab, both of which are signature features of the US HIMARS and South Korea’s K239 Chunmoo.
The visual similarities suggest a shift by North Korea toward modular and mobile rocket artillery systems capable of rapid reloading and deployment.
Unlike HIMARS, which typically features a single pod with six launch tubes, the new North Korean system is equipped with two launch blocks containing nine tubes each.
This dual-pod configuration—more reminiscent of the larger M270 MLRS or Chunmoo—may enable a higher volume of fire per sortie, although the exact type of munitions and guidance technologies remains unknown.
The new system includes several indicators of modern battlefield adaptability:
Armored crew cabin: suggests increased survivability during frontline operations.
Pack-style modular launchers: allow for quick reloading without the need for auxiliary support vehicles.
Self-loading capability: enables field-based operations without requiring fixed reload stations.
Despite the hardware reveal, no public data was provided regarding the range, accuracy, or payload of the rockets.
Earlier in October, North Korea unveiled a new wheeled combat vehicle modeled after the US Stryker, featuring a redesigned hull, full-scale turret, and upgraded armor. While based on a Soviet-style chassis, the vehicle marks Pyongyang’s latest attempt to replicate Western armored platforms.
-24ca8683eb01b729cd8fae98f952003a.jpg "Ukrainian Ratel-S drone equipped with a downed Shahed warhead. (Source: omelyanovi4/Instagram)")
-0158b6b681e3668f470de36aedad9e3c.jpg "Russian Su-24 bomber moments before Ukrainian drone strike, Crimea. (Source: HUR)")
