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Russia Turns North Korean Rocket Launcher Into Crewless Ground Drone Weapon
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Russian forces have integrated a North Korean-made 107mm multiple launch rocket system onto an unmanned ground vehicle, introducing a new configuration of crewless rocket artillery on the battlefield in Ukraine.
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According to Defence Blog, recently published imagery shows a Type 75 rocket launcher—originating from North Korea—mounted directly onto a Courier unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). The report indicates this setup enables Russian operators to launch rocket salvos remotely, without exposing personnel to frontline risk.
Footage showing the firing of a North Korean–produced 107mm Type 75 MLRS mounted on an NRTK “Courier” unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) toward Ukrainian positions. pic.twitter.com/N6Cdriln0J
— OSINTWarfare (@OSINTWarfare) April 10, 2026
The Type 75 system is a North Korean-produced version of China’s Type 63 launcher. It consists of 12 tubes capable of firing 107mm rockets, including high-explosive fragmentation and cluster munitions. The system has an effective range of approximately 8.5 kilometers and can deliver a full salvo in a single firing sequence.
The platform carrying the launcher, known as the NRTK “Kuryer” (Courier), is described by Defence Blog as a modular ground drone designed for multiple battlefield roles.
The vehicle weighs around 250 kilograms, reaches speeds of up to 35 km/h, and can operate between 12 and 72 hours depending on mission conditions. Its compact design allows it to be adapted for logistics, evacuation, electronic warfare, and direct combat tasks.
This is not the first instance of weaponizing the Courier platform. Previous variants have included thermobaric rocket systems such as the RPO-A Shmel, as well as mortar configurations like the Bagunlnik-82. These adaptations reflect an approach focused on modular payloads rather than purpose-built systems, allowing rapid changes based on battlefield requirements.
The addition of a 107mm rocket launcher extends the platform’s reach compared to earlier configurations, enabling indirect fire from several kilometers away. According to Defence Blog, this allows operators to strike targets from behind the front line while maintaining distance from direct engagement zones.
The report also notes that Russia has increased production of ground drones, with approximately 1,500 systems currently in service. At the same time, Ukrainian estimates suggest significantly larger planned deployments on the Ukrainian side.
The Courier platform has been observed in operational footage and was previously presented during official demonstrations, including at international military exercises.
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