With Over 3,000 Rocket Systems, This Country is Not to Be Played With

After the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, numerous countries around the globe stepped up to provide necessary resources and equipment to Ukrainian forces. These countries, many of which are NATO allies (despite the fact that Ukraine is not part of NATO), have also begun bolstering their own defenses as Russia undertakes sabotage efforts against them — such as cutting or damaging underwater cables. But while countries have flocked to Ukraine’s defense, have any countries supported Russia instead? A new video from the frontlines of the conflict suggests yes. The video, captured by defense reporter Yuriy Butusov, appears to show that Russia has a North Korean M1991 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). Given that Russia and North Korea signed a defense pact last June, this is not entirely surprising. However, it could show that Russia is possibly more prepared for ongoing conflict than other nations believed — or that Russia might have some more powerful equipment and weaponry behind the scenes. (Which countries hold Putin in high regard?)

MLRS units have been used extensively throughout history, including during World War II, the Gulf War, and the 2006 Gaza War, and will no doubt be deployed more frequently as the state of warfare changes. To determine which countries across the world have the most MLRS units, 24/7 Wall St. explored Global Firepower’s Military Strength Ranking. This comprehensive resource evaluates 145 countries on a variety of factors including financials, air power, manpower, land forces, and more to identify which countries have the strongest military. Each nation is given a score — the closer to 0.000, the more powerful the military. Our information on MLRS units, as well as other military vehicles and the defense budgets, was also taken from Global Firepower.

This previously published article was updated in April 2025 to adjust several rankings and to highlight news relating to MLRS use in various conflicts.

Why Are We Covering This?

Silhouette of a military man in headphones at a laptop against the background of a digital globe of the earth, contour lighting. Concept: collection of confidential information, surveillance.

Multiple Rocket Launch Systems play an important role in modern warfare. These systems provide a powerful advantage to military units looking to strike quickly and powerfully. A country with significant MLRS units is prepared for conflicts that unfold fast and require rapid responses. Over the last few years, and especially over the last few months, the world has seen increasing frustrations and territorial disputes between countries. The Trump administration has been a catalyst for global unrest, as many allied countries remain concerned about Trump’s potential relationships with Russia. Still, the U.S. Army participated in Joint Viking 25, a Norwegian-led, multinational exercise that involved an MLRS battalion, in March 2025. As we look to the future, countries with MLRS units — and who are ready and prepared to use them — will be best suited for success if or when war begins.

Can you guess which countries have the most MLRS units?: