Ukrainian projects for the modernization of the MLRS BM-21 "Grad"

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MLRS BM-21 "Grad" basic modification on the regular chassis "Ural"

With the collapse of the USSR, independent Ukraine got a large number of BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket systems. Later it became clear that the operation of such equipment could not continue indefinitely, and the army needed to update its fleet. In the following years, several projects for the deep modernization of cash MLRS were presented, and some prototypes went through the entire test cycle. However, the real prospects of all such developments remained in question.

Modernized "Grad"


The first attempt to modernize cash MLRS was made in 2001 by the Kharkov Design Bureau named after. Morozova and the Kharkov Plant of Special Machines began the development of the BM-21K project. It proposed to keep the existing artillery unit and missiles, but transfer them to the Ukrainian KrAZ-260 chassis. It also provided for the renewal of communications and fire control.



For various reasons, work on the BM-21K dragged on. The design was completed in a few years, but testing and refinement continued until 2008. The upgraded Grad showed the required level of performance and coped with the tests, but was not recommended for adoption.


Ukrainian "Bastion-01" on the KrAZ-6322 chassis

The reason for this was the outdated chassis. The KrAZ-260 car was discontinued in the mid-nineties, and its use in the project at the end of the XNUMXs did not make sense. However, KMDB and KHZSM managed to build and transfer several combat vehicles to the army on such a base, after which their assembly stopped.

Bastion systems


Due to the failure of the BM-21K project, the development of new variants of the MLRS began. In 2007-2008, the same enterprises began to create a promising system called "Bastion-01". In this project, it was planned to combine all the advantages of existing weapons and a new chassis.

The KrAZ-01 truck was chosen as the basis for the Bastion-6322 MLRS, shortly before that it was accepted for supply to the Ukrainian army. This is a three-axle all-wheel drive vehicle with an engine capacity of at least 300 hp. and sufficiently high characteristics of carrying capacity and cross-country ability. It was proposed to transfer the standard equipment of the Grad to it with virtually no changes. Only individual devices were introduced, while the launcher and other products remained the same.


"Bastion-02" with an extended landing gear and additional shells

The Bastion-02 combat vehicle was also developed on the extended KrAZ-6322 chassis. Additional space on the cargo platform, between the cockpit and the launcher, was used to accommodate the so-called. fast reload systems. An additional 40 rockets are placed in special mobile clips, which simplifies the preparation for a new salvo.

The first prototype of "Bastion-01" was built in 2009 at the Shepetovsky repair plant and soon went to the test. Later they made a car model "02". The equipment coped with the checks and was recommended for adoption. However, a mass series could not be established. Despite the simplicity of production, in a few years no more than 8-12 machines of two modifications were manufactured. In the middle of the tenth years, the release of "Bastions" ceased.

With the letter "U"


Simultaneously with the Bastion, another modification of the Grad was created at the KMDB on a new chassis - BM-21U or Verba (Verba / 1). The goals of the project were again to replace the chassis and upgrade the means of communication and control, while the artillery unit was not affected. This should take into account the negative experience of the previous project BM-21K.


BM-21U "Verba" on a modern KrAZ-6322 chassis

The Verba project differed from the BM-21K and Bastion in greater complexity, which led to a delay in development. The main work on it was completed only in the first half of the tenth years. An experimental car was first openly shown in 2015. Subsequently, various tests were repeatedly reported, as well as the imminent adoption and production of a series.

However, adoption was delayed, but only in the case of the Ukrainian army. So, in 2017, several Verbs were acquired by the armed forces of Senegal. Orders were also expected from other countries in need of relatively simple but effective MLRS.

The situation with the Ukrainian army cleared up only in November 2019. Then the Ministry of Defense announced that the Verba MLRS had passed state tests and was put into service. By that time, it was already known that the Shepetovsky repair plant would master mass production. Delivery of the first products is expected in the coming months.

However, production did not start within the specified time frame. Moreover, the official order to put the BM-21U into service came out only at the end of August 2021. It is curious that in this document the Verba is designated as the BM-21U Grad. Why this happened is not clear. In addition, there are certain violations of the governing documents, which gives the situation a special appearance.


Transport-loading machine "Verba" in working position

The BM-21U project provided for the transfer of the existing launcher to the modern KrAZ-6322 chassis. The Verba uses a truck with a two-row four-door cab, which accommodates the entire crew of five people and the necessary instruments. The Verba uses a new digital fire control system, a stabilizer, satellite navigation and other devices that improve shooting accuracy. New means of communication with a protected mode of operation were also used.

The BM-21U combat vehicle is complemented by a transport-loader, known by the code of the Classifier of weapons, equipment and property of the Ministry of Defense "VK 001-2000-A2112011Y". It carries two full sets of 80 rounds of ammunition and has mechanized loading equipment that simplifies the preparation of the combat vehicle for firing.

Berest project


Since the mid-21s, the Shepetovsky Repair Plant has been developing a new version of the Grad under the designations BM-XNUMXUM and Berest. Unlike the previous ones, this project included the restructuring of the artillery unit and the development of new ammunition. Due to these and other solutions, it was supposed to increase accuracy and accuracy, as well as the firing range and salvo volumes.

The first open display of "Berest" took place at one of the Ukrainian exhibitions in October 2018. Then it was argued that the new MLRS has improved performance and is necessary for the army. Soon the prototype was handed over for testing. In the recent past, factory testing has been reported successfully. The enterprise-developer was ready to accept orders for mass production.


Experienced combat vehicle BM-21UM "Berest"

MLRS BM-21UM is built on a two-axle chassis KrAZ-5401NE. This is a cabover vehicle with a two-row cab and an engine of 300 hp or more, depending on the configuration. A machine with a gross weight of more than 17 tons is capable of moving on roads and terrain.

"Berest" received an updated launcher. Its main difference lies in the presence of the fifth horizontal row of guides, as a result of which the ammunition load has been increased to 50 missiles. The installation is electrically driven, although manual mechanisms and a mount for the sight are retained.

The MLRS is equipped with a control computer, to which are connected means of communication, navigation and topographic location, as well as guidance mechanisms. Provides remote control of all processes of preparation for firing and firing. A remote control is also provided.

Real results


Over the past two decades, Ukraine has been trying to update the fleet of its MLRS. Various options for the modernization of existing "Grads" and other combat vehicles were developed, loud statements were made, and even orders were issued for adoption. However, the real results did not justify all hopes. As a result, for 20 years of work, the army received only a few combat vehicles.


Enlarged launcher "Beresta"

Thus, the BM-21K project ended with the assembly of no more than 5-10 combat vehicles, moreover, on an outdated chassis. Similar results were shown by two projects of the Bastion line. The total number of such MLRS did not exceed 10-12 units. The newer and more advanced BM-21U "Verba" passed the necessary tests and was even put into service, but information about mass production and deliveries to the Ukrainian army has not yet appeared. The newest development, BM-21UM "Berest", has not yet passed the entire test cycle and is not ready for the series.

As a result, despite all the plans and efforts, in two decades the army received no more than 15-20 multiple launch rocket systems of several types for a 122-mm rocket projectile. The situation is further aggravated by the fact that this is only the modernization of old equipment, and it does not always use modern components and products.

As a result, the Ukrainian army is forced to continue operating the old Soviet-built BM-21 systems. According to the IISS The Military Balance 2021, until recently, she had up to 185 of these combat vehicles. As a result of recent events, the MLRS fleet has noticeably decreased, and new losses are expected in the near future.

Thus, all the efforts of Ukraine to create its own version of the "Castle", mass and modern, were wasted. Production has not been established and, given recent events, it will no longer be possible to start it. However, the Ukrainian industry still had a reason to be proud. In parallel with the modernization of the BM-21, the Smerch system was being updated. And her new version "Alder" was brought to a series of noticeable size.
  • Ryabov Kirill
  • Wikimedia Commons, State Corporation "Ukroboronprom"
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12 comments
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  1. 0
    6 March 2022 04: 24
    In parallel with the modernization of the BM-21, the Smerch system was being updated. And her new version "Alder" was brought to a series of noticeable size.
    To everyone who believes that the Ukronats have nothing more powerful than Grad.
  2. +1
    6 March 2022 10: 24
    However, the real results did not justify all hopes. As a result, for 20 years of work, the army received only a few combat vehicles.
    . So the management, everyone, temporary workers .... their goal is to fall asleep and fade away on time, preferably away.
    Nothing is done with such people if their selfish interests are not in it.
    1. +1
      6 March 2022 11: 37
      Quote: rocket757
      So the management, everyone, temporary workers .... their goal is to fall asleep and fade away on time, preferably away.
      Nothing is done with such people if their selfish interests are not in it.

      More precisely, this is an example of how the shrinking economy of the country, dying from following the instructions of the Kiev leadership of the United States, is not able to produce something modern. Especially in the high-tech sector. And the defense industry is always and in all countries one of the most high-tech industries. In short, the production and modernization of weapons need money. If they are not in the proper quantity, then it turns out "Ukroboronprom".
      1. +2
        6 March 2022 11: 53
        It is clear that to ditch, plunder your industry and expect success from it, this is standard stupidity ...
        Tellingly, even ordinary people could understand this, you can’t keep your head, endlessly, in a certain place .... this is harmful.
        1. +3
          6 March 2022 12: 07
          Quote: rocket757
          It is clear that to ditch, plunder your industry and expect success from it, this is standard stupidity ...

          As experience suggests, they steal everywhere, in all countries and under any form of government. It seems to me that the decline of the Ukrainian economy did not come about as a result of theft, but because the priorities of the base and superstructure were reversed under external influence and as a result of an initially incorrect imperative in the ideology of state building. The state thus fell under the rule of cosmopolitan oligarchs on the one hand and far-right extremist nationalists on the other. As a result, there was no room left for pragmatic, cost-effective solutions. And over time it became even less. And as a result, every decision of the last 10-15 years (and even more so the last 8) carried political goals diametrically opposed to economic ones. Here is the result ... about ... all the advantages of the "start-up capital" left over from the Ukrainian SSR have disappeared. request
          1. +1
            6 March 2022 12: 26
            What were the masses busy with ... they worked and cherished dreams about their gay European future.
            And in parallel, the country was leveled to the level, if not of Somalia, then in that direction.
            Rich people and politicians, everything is clear with them ... they enriched themselves.
            The rest ... did not bother themselves with thoughts about reality, about real prospects.
            1. +1
              6 March 2022 12: 48
              Quote: rocket757
              What were the masses doing?

              The masses tried to choose someone who could change this situation. Hence such support for Zelensky (73%) in the elections with his "servants of the people" (43%). But the chosen ones, under the influence of "investors", fell into the same fork, between the oligarchs and the Nazis, and, not having a strong desire to follow the declared course and the system of physical resistance to the strengthened Bandera detachments, continued the course of following Washington's precepts. The CIA-led Ukrainian security service has effectively neutralized the opinion leaders who are in favor of privatizing the economy over politics. The organization of the slightest resistance to Bandera Kiev became very difficult, if not impossible. By 2021, Ukraine has received all the signs of an almost fascist dictatorship. Given the latest news from the Foreign Intelligence Service of the Russian Federation about Ukraine's ability to acquire nuclear weapons in the foreseeable future, the decision taken by Putin to eliminate Bandera became inevitable. As you can see for yourself, no one thought to be interested in the opinion of the people in Ukraine.
              1. +2
                6 March 2022 13: 26
                I will not quote Mark Twain's statement, everyone knows him ....
                The people are in dreams, in their fantasies and Wishlist.
                Everywhere so.
                Dreams rarely come true, this is a fact, but Wishlist is generally a category that never comes true.
                But what is called the WILL OF THE PEOPLE is a complex category, which is realized only when it is backed up by real power ... which in general is an extremely rare phenomenon, alas.
  3. 0
    7 March 2022 23: 50
    The installation is not large ... Maybe it was easier to fit the jihad mobile as a chassis and the second one with shots for a couple of volleys. By the way, this is an idea for our designers. Perhaps, for mobility, it makes sense to halve the installation through the "pipes" and put it on a heavy jeep?

    The original was clearly developed for the front level. And the real war goes on in battalion groups. And four "mini-grads" for long-range detection of the enemy would be very helpful.
  4. 0
    8 March 2022 22: 37
    over the past three days, two rocket launchers were destroyed, and competently, after a salvo. The possibility of detonating the package was excluded.
  5. 0
    April 11 2022 22: 54
    The article is of high quality, written by a person who is in the subject. Unlike most other articles
  6. 0
    19 May 2023 07: 57
    Well, how could it not be successful when they are still bombing us with Grads? I climbed into the network for information from where the Ukrainians got our Grads, but nothing. Do the right analytics! understandable

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