French MLRS LRU for Ukraine

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French MLRS LRU for Ukraine
LRU launcher in combat position. Photo by the French Ministry of Defense


Foreign countries continue to supply NATO-style multiple launch rocket systems to Ukraine. Recently it became known that France will join these processes. In the near future, she plans to transfer her LRU-type MLRS to the Ukrainian regime. In this case, we are talking about only three combat vehicles taken from our own army. How useful such assistance will be is a big question.



Three units


On October 12, after a regular meeting of the NATO contact group on assistance to Ukraine, it became known that France plans to transfer new weapons and equipment to the Kyiv regime. According to several French publications, such a package of military-technical assistance will include MLRS, anti-aircraft systems and other products. They will be taken in combat units of the French army.

To strengthen the Ukrainian rocket artillery, it is proposed to allocate multiple launch rocket systems LRU - a modernized "European" version of the American M270 MLRS. Due to limited capabilities, the French army will be able to allocate only three such vehicles. Whether ammunition will be added to them is not reported.

According to the French press, three LRUs will soon be decommissioned from the combat unit of the ground forces and prepared for shipment. The exact timing of the transfer has not yet been announced. However, NATO experience shows that such a delivery can be completed within a few weeks or even days.

The supply of French LRU vehicles will allow the Kyiv regime to increase its fleet of NATO-style tracked MLRS. To date, it has received about a dozen units of the MLRS family from foreign partners. These were the original American M270 systems of various modifications, as well as German MARS II vehicles. Now French products are expected, thanks to which the total number of vehicles will exceed 10-12 units.

European modernization


In the late eighties, the American MLRS M270 MLRS of the first modification was adopted by the French ground forces. Over the next few years, more than 60 such systems were purchased for the army. Together with combat vehicles, unguided rockets that existed at that time were ordered.


French LRUs on parade, 2015. Photo by Wikimedia Commons

The operation of such equipment in the original configuration continued until the end of the XNUMXs. Then France, Germany and Italy agreed to jointly develop a project for the modernization of existing MLRS. Such an update was supposed to raise all the main characteristics, ensure compatibility with the new generation of missiles, and also take into account the latest international agreements.

The modernization project was developed by several European companies. The leading role in it was taken by the German Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and the French Airbus Defense and Space. They developed the bulk of the new instruments and tools.

In 2011, the French Ministry of Defense placed an order for the modernization of its M270 MLRS. Due to the reduction in the needs of the army and limited financial capabilities, it was decided to upgrade only 13 combat vehicles. They are now known under the designation Lance-Roquettes Unitaire (LRU). The rest of the equipment was sent for storage; her future fate is still uncertain.

In parallel with the French LRU, the MLRS of Germany and Italy underwent modernization. After the update, the German cars were called MARS II, and the Italian ones - MLRS-I. The installations of the three countries were rebuilt according to a common project and practically do not differ from each other.

This summer, Germany sent several of its MARS II MLRS to Ukraine. Now a small number of such machines are sent by France. It is curious that the French army allocates 3 installations out of 13 available - in fact, a quarter of the park. This raises questions about the further maintenance or development of French rocket artillery.

Noticeable differences


The European M270 modernization project provided for the preservation of a number of key units of the system while replacing others. Due to this, they ensured compatibility with new ammunition, improved the main characteristics and solved other problems. In general, the European project LRU / MARS II / MLRS-I is similar to the American modernization of the M270A1.


LRU in marching configuration. Photo by Wikimedia Commons

During the update, the LRU architecture has not changed. The tracked chassis with high cross-country ability is still used. It has a launcher for two unified containers with missiles. At the same time, the installation lost its hydraulic guidance drives; they were replaced by more advanced electric ones.

The standard fire control devices were replaced by the new EFCS (European Fire Control System) from Airbus. Such an SLA is capable of operating in modern control loops and allows the use of rockets of the GMLRS family. In this case, not all missiles can be used. EFCS at the program level prohibits the firing of projectiles with a cluster warhead - in accordance with the existing convention.

Thus, the ammunition load of the MLRS LRU and its analogues consists only of corrected M31 projectiles of different versions. Depending on the modification, they have a flight range of at least 80-85 km. The satellite navigation and control system gives high hit accuracy. All variants of the M31 carry a unified high-explosive fragmentation warhead weighing 91 kg.

In the late eighties, American-made M270 MLRS got the opportunity to use ATACMS operational-tactical missiles. In connection with the presence of its own OCR, the French army did not order new American missiles. The LRU modernization project also did not provide for the transformation of the MLRS into an OTRK. Whether ATACMS integration is possible at this stage and how difficult it will be is unknown.

Limitations and problems


To date, foreign countries have sent to Ukraine about a dozen M270 multiple launch rocket systems of various versions. In addition, a comparable number of newer M142 HIMARS products have been transferred. Now it is reported about the imminent growth of the grouping of foreign MLRS due to the supply of French LRU vehicles.

However, France plans to transfer only three self-propelled launchers. It is easy to see that this equipment will not be enough for a noticeable strengthening of the Ukrainian rocket artillery. Three vehicles will allow you to create only one fire platoon, and you can not expect any outstanding results from such a unit.


The first combat use of the MLRS LRU. Mali, March 2016. Photo by Opex360

Due to the specific requirements of the French army, MLRS can only use rockets of one type, while the use of others is simply excluded. The LRU cannot fire the most dangerous missiles carrying cluster or "alternate" warheads. Compatibility with operational-tactical missiles is also not provided.

M31 rockets have fairly high performance, but their successful use is not guaranteed. Ukrainian formations regularly try to attack Russian military or civilian targets. The overwhelming majority of flying missiles, and sometimes all products, are successfully intercepted by our air defense. Obviously, the results of using French LRUs will be the same.

During firing, the MLRS unmasks itself and risks being hit back. In addition, a combat vehicle can be spotted in a parking lot or moving towards a firing position. To date, the Russian army has managed to destroy several foreign MLRS transferred to Ukraine. French LRU cars are not immune from such a fate.

Doubtful help


Thus, the foreign partner again promised Ukraine military-technical assistance, but its real value is in question. Only a few combat vehicles with limited capabilities are ready to be handed over to the Kyiv regime, and their prospects are quite clear. Equipment from France will have little effect on the potential of recipients and, most likely, will quickly cease to exist.

At the same time, the situation with the LRU MLRS has a curious feature that distinguishes it from other episodes of “aid” for Ukraine. For some reason, France decided to allocate 3 combat vehicles out of 13 available, which should negatively affect its own defense capability. The French army has the theoretical ability to recover quantitative indicators, but it is not clear whether they use it. Why Paris is taking such measures is a big question.
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32 comments
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  1. +26
    15 October 2022 06: 05
    I like the author's positivity.
    In total, there are three launchers, one fire platoon, and eighteen guided missiles in a salvo with a range of 80 km.
    Eka trifle!
    Naturally:
    will have almost no effect .. and, most likely, will quickly cease to exist

    Hitting a launcher from 60-80 km after a salvo is such a trifle as two fingers ..

    By the way, how many HIMSRS have already been confirmed to have ceased to exist in all time?
    1. +7
      15 October 2022 06: 22
      Not eighteen, but thirty-six. Two bags per car.
      1. +7
        15 October 2022 08: 55
        Yes, thanks for the correction for the tracked two blocks.
    2. -7
      15 October 2022 07: 15
      One rocket E GMLRS cost the Finns 430000 bucks. (91 million for 35 packages of 6 rockets). Total launch of 24 missiles costs more than 10 million dollars.
      Taking into account the fact that a 152mm shot (unguided) costs much less than a thousand dollars, how many shells should be in stock to pay for a volley?
      1. +6
        15 October 2022 08: 27
        Quote: demiurg
        Taking into account the fact that a 152mm shot (unguided) costs much less than a thousand dollars, how many shells should be in stock to pay for a volley?


        It has long been calculated that wars are a loss-making business venture for the belligerents. Even the winner never receives a material benefit that would pay off his colossal military costs.
        1. 0
          15 October 2022 11: 51
          Quote: Rosemary
          It has long been calculated that wars are a loss-making business venture for those at war.

          For the winner, who had plans to achieve his goals with the help of the war, the cost of the war is not a loss, but an investment! Investments have a payback period, which ultimately leads to profit! bully
          This is how the Americans look at the war, and there can be no other view! We are used to being attacked, because from a certain period of time Russia has lagged behind the great powers in terms of opportunities! Until the middle of the 19th century, Russia itself used the war for the benefit of the development of the state, due to this we became a great nation! fellow The fact that Russia began to resort to military force again is normal for a country that wants to position itself as a great power, unfortunately there are no other options, nothing has changed in world politics since the 18th century! Why, since the 18th century, since ancient times, nothing has changed: people die for metal! Unless the metal was replaced with a number laughing
      2. +3
        15 October 2022 09: 01
        What does it mean to "recoup a volley"?
        Volleys will never pay off, war is the process of destroying wealth and losses in the economy on all sides.
        Economic growth, and explosive growth, occurs after the war, but only on the victorious side.

        Who should feel sorry for these 10 million dollars? Euro official? He doesn’t care about these millions, which are not his, but the favor of the corporations to whom these millions have gone is extremely important to him.
        1. +3
          15 October 2022 12: 16
          Economic growth, and explosive growth, occurs after the war, but only on the victorious side.

          It happens differently. After the Second World War, the British Empire ceased to exist, over which the Sun never set. But she won the war. Whereas Germany and Japan quickly returned and increased their economic power, being the losers.
      3. +6
        15 October 2022 10: 10
        One rocket E GMLRS cost the Finns 430000 bucks.


        This is with delivery and training, there would be more missiles, the unit price would be much lower.

        In addition, this is a commercial price, the United States, firstly, makes missiles cheaper for itself, and secondly, everything that they spend on these missiles remains in the US economy, all this remains for business and US citizens.

        Taking into account the fact that a 152mm shot (unguided) costs much less than a thousand dollars, how many shells should be in stock to pay for a volley?


        No matter how much it is, if the front does not receive ammunition, then it will be broken through, and the personnel and equipment will be destroyed, and all this is a hundred times more expensive than the cost of a volley of M270 or Hymars MLRS.

        In fact, all these options from the M270 MLRS to Hymars are no longer multiple rocket launchers, but closer to the OTRK, and many times cheaper than our Iskander and very effective.

        It’s a pity that we don’t use anything like this, we cover enemy artillery positions with packages of Tornadoes and Hurricanes, at a long distance they give a big spread and often do not hit the enemy.

        We need our own analogue of high-precision missiles from the M270 MLRS, for operating platforms from Grad to Smerch, or based on some new, at least complete copy of Hymars.
        1. +1
          15 October 2022 12: 20
          We need our own analogue of high-precision missiles from the M270 MLRS, for operating platforms from Grad to Smerch, or based on some new, at least complete copy of Hymars.

          Now for this it is necessary, first of all, to establish our own production of the element base, and completely independent of imports, including equipment. And if this is possible in principle, it will definitely take not a year or two, but much more. In the meantime - "hundreds of thousands of batteries for the tears of our mothers" ... somewhere in the direction of the enemy.
          1. 0
            16 October 2022 16: 18
            UAZ 452. Why do factories and factories still pay salaries. Everything that will be needed will be bought for dollars and euros. Also pistols made of plastic for children for euros and dollars in China.
        2. 0
          15 October 2022 20: 51
          There are such - rszo Kama based on KAMAZ and Uragan1m based on BAZ. Only the series did not go.
          1. +1
            16 October 2022 16: 18
            Just did not go to the series

            If they didn’t go into the series, then they don’t exist.
            And by the way, "Hurricane-1M" is based not on the BAZ, but on the MZKT.
        3. 0
          9 January 2023 23: 36
          So there is Hermes and for a long time.
          What did not go to the conveyor is unclear.
      4. +3
        15 October 2022 14: 25
        Quote: demiurg
        One rocket E GMLRS cost the Finns 430000 bucks. (91 million for 35 packages of 6 rockets). Total launch of 24 missiles costs more than 10 million dollars.

        There are peculiar conditions in the Finnish contract.
        In real life, new LM rockets cost about 150K, the old ones are free, they are for recycling. 1-2 is enough for the warehouse if it is not closed by air defense.
    3. +3
      15 October 2022 08: 42
      I agree with you, I don’t like the positive of the author. And the Hymers, according to reports, 13-14 were destroyed. Only video and photos are missing.
      1. +5
        15 October 2022 12: 21
        And Hymersov, according to reports, 13-14 were destroyed. Only video and photos are missing.

        And okay - gentlemen take their word for it, what other photo-videos?
        1. +5
          15 October 2022 14: 28
          Quote: UAZ 452
          gentlemen believe in the word

          I am not a gentleman.
          1. +4
            15 October 2022 17: 01
            hi
            I am not a gentleman.

            Well, who is the gentleman now, where can I find them at all?
            For example, a military commissar reports from the St. George Hall of the Kremlin: "That's it, we'll defeat everyone, kill everyone, rob everyone we need. Everything will be as we like it!"

            Video proof from 00.42:



            If YouTube no longer opens here, just fill in the text in the YouTube search.
            1. +5
              15 October 2022 18: 19
              I saw it. Well done, I'm always for the truth. By the way, I seem to have already seen this patriotic impulse in English. Or a little later from someone from the Donbas who promised to kill 5 million Ukrainians.
  2. +1
    15 October 2022 06: 14
    Thus, the foreign partner again promised Ukraine military-technical assistance, but its real value is in question. Only a few combat vehicles with limited capabilities are ready to be handed over to the Kyiv regime, and their prospects are quite clear. Equipment from France will have little effect on the potential of recipients and, most likely, will quickly cease to exist.

    At the same time, the situation with the LRU MLRS has a curious feature that distinguishes it from other episodes of “aid” for Ukraine. For some reason, France decided to allocate 3 combat vehicles out of 13 available, which should negatively affect its own defense capability. The French army has the theoretical ability to recover quantitative indicators, but it is not clear whether they use it. Why Paris is taking such measures is a big question.

    What do not you understand?
    France is transferring other, truly serious equipment to Ukraine, for example, the Caesar self-propelled guns.
    And apparently they do not plan to develop MLRS, because. there is modern aviation with high-precision weapons (such an opinion was expressed in the comments on the topvar).
  3. Eug
    +4
    15 October 2022 06: 39
    Software "prohibition" of cassette or "alternate" warheads? And what, software is forever and invariably, it cannot be changed in any way? A serious thing, even three installations, and even if the "united (only on paper and in some heads, as I understand it, really unified command and control of forces of different departmental subordination is only being created) forces" fail to make them "disposable", they can cause big problems.
  4. +1
    15 October 2022 06: 40
    Why Paris is taking such measures is a big question.

    When an American boss publicly starts shaking dandruff off the French President's jacket, guided by "good" intentions, talking about how a French dog should execute the command "Face!" - loss of time.
  5. +2
    15 October 2022 06: 46
    From the world on a thread - a naked shirt .....
    1. +6
      15 October 2022 07: 10
      Quote: svp67
      From the world on a thread - a naked shirt .....




      donavi49
      13 October 2022 22: 53
      +2
      Macron named the number of Caesar self-propelled guns that will be delivered to Ukraine in the near future
      For October:
      2 Suzanne
      6 Caesars
      2 PZ2000

      These are only public 52 gauge deliveries. At the same time, it is a secret about Crabs from Poland, they do not publish data, it is known that a division-level party will definitely be up to NG from a contract for 64 Crabs and that they are already trained in Poland under them.

      16 M777 from USA
      15 TRF1 from France
      12 M777 from Canada

      These are only public deliveries of 155 mm howitzers of shorter length.

      18 L119 from Britain
      16 M119 from USA

      These are light 105 mm howitzers. The crews were trained in Britain and new ones arrived.

      So, the streams merged into 53-155 mm and 34-105 mm howitzers in October only according to voiced real deliveries
  6. -1
    15 October 2022 06: 54
    Why Paris is taking such measures is a big question.
    On this occasion, there are just no questions - "European solidarity" and "opposition to Russia" for "Ukraine's victory on the battlefield" (you won't wait). On the one hand, these three installations are, of course, exclusively for the European public - we (the French) support Ukraine with all our might. And on the other hand, these are, of course, attacks on our fighters and equipment, which will lead to losses, which is unacceptable. And to the front, apparently, and unfortunately, they will reach.
  7. +7
    15 October 2022 14: 56
    The vast majority of flying missiles, and sometimes all products, are successfully intercepted by our air defense

    After such a phrase, the Antonovskiy Bridge comes to mind, with many holes in the canvas.
  8. +3
    15 October 2022 17: 56
    Typical optimistic article. It would be funny if it wasn't so sad...
  9. 0
    16 October 2022 16: 15
    several combat vehicles with limited capabilities, and their prospects are quite clear

    Of course, they are understandable - with their help they will kill our citizens. But this, according to the author, is not terrible.
  10. -1
    16 October 2022 21: 16
    And after that, Makaron tries to get through to Putin?
    UK them there in general the tower went against the backdrop of LGBT and SHOULD YOU HAVE?
  11. 0
    1 January 2023 12: 00
    All the time I am surprised at the flight of thought of the designers of Russian similar systems. Against the background of Western entirely armored vehicles, Russian civilian equipment for military purposes looks naive and childishly defenseless. KB completely recruited children in rose-colored glasses?
  12. 0
    5 January 2023 16: 08
    Quote: AA22Helmet
    All the time I am surprised at the flight of thought of the designers of Russian similar systems. Against the background of Western entirely armored vehicles, Russian civilian equipment for military purposes looks naive and childishly defenseless. KB completely recruited children in rose-colored glasses?

    - why do they have such strong armor? from bullets or shrapnel it can and will help, but from rockets and shells it is useless ...

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