Trends in the development of domestic MLRS
Tornado-G MLRS in the Special Operations area
The Russian ground forces possess a large and well-developed fleet of multiple launch rocket systems. They are armed with several types of systems, differing in ammunition caliber, key tactical and technical characteristics, the range of missions they can perform, and so on. This fleet of MLRS is constantly being expanded and improved. At the same time, several key ideas and trends can be discerned in its development, which form the basis for new projects and determine their outcomes.
Recent history
Let us recall that until the beginning of the 2010s, our missile troops and artillery There were three main MLRS systems. These were the 122mm 9K51 Grad, the 220mm 9K57 Uragan, and the 9K58 Smerch, which fired 300mm shells. There were also several modifications of these systems, each with minor differences from the basic models.
In the 1920s, two new MLRS systems entered service under the general designation "Tornado." This project involved modernizing the Grad and Smerch systems with modern equipment and components. Following this upgrade, the 9K51 became the 9K51M Tornado-G, and the Smerch became the 9K515 Tornado-S.
For some time now, the domestic defense industry has produced only two versions of the Tornado. Equipment from active units has also been repaired and upgraded. Ultimately, the entire Grad and Smerch fleet has been updated and equipped with new capabilities.
The Uragan system during preparation for firing.
Back in the 2000s, an attempt was made to create a lighter version of the Smerch with the same 300mm ammunition. This project was unsuccessful and was canceled in the early 2010s. However, in 2022-2023, the idea was revived based on the experience of the ongoing Special Operation. To date, the updated project has achieved some results.
The advanced MLRS was named "Sarma." Development of this project was expected to be completed and a prototype was built in 2023-24. It then underwent the necessary testing and confirmed its design characteristics. Furthermore, the new MLRS was delivered to one of the main testing sites, possibly for testing.
According to international reports, the veracity of which is questionable, the Sarma MLRS is already in serial production. The first order for this type of equipment was placed in 2024. The Ministry of Defense is purchasing these vehicles in battalion-sized units. So far, only a few units have been considered for re-equipping, but production may expand in the near future.
In the context of MLRS, it's worth recalling the Zemledeliye (Agriculture) remote-launched mining system (IRLS), which was adopted at the beginning of the current decade. Essentially a multiple launch rocket system, it's designed to use its own range of ammunition. However, this equipment is being issued not to missile troops and artillery, but to engineering units.
A Tornado-S MLRS crew at work.
Additionally, the radiation, chemical, and biological defense forces have their own MLRS equivalents. TOS-1A "Solntsepyok" heavy flamethrower systems are used for salvo strikes against enemy forces and targets. A new model of this class is also under development.
Development on Earth
Recent domestic MLRS designs have focused heavily on developing ground-based assets. In some cases, improved self-propelled launchers have contributed significantly to the overall improvement in performance characteristics and combat effectiveness.
MLRS combat vehicles are built on readily available production chassis of several models. For the Tornado projects, it was decided to retain the existing Ural and MZKT wheeled platforms. This eliminated the need for complex modifications to existing equipment, including the transfer of components. At the same time, the Sarma and Zemledeliye vehicles were built on one of the existing chassis.
All modern MLRS designs incorporate modern electronics for fire control and auxiliary functions. In all cases, a virtually identical system based on modern components is used. It includes a navigation system with increased coordinate accuracy, a ballistic computer, communications equipment, and, if necessary, other devices.
Tornado-S missiles are firing
Such electronics allow for more precise determination of firing position coordinates and more efficient calculation of targeting data. These measures ultimately improve fire accuracy. Furthermore, some MLRS designs include additional programming devices for controlling the ammunition's electronics.
Firing results depend not only on the MLRS's own capabilities. Reconnaissance accuracy, target designation transmission speed, and other factors are also crucial. This places increased demands on communications equipment, troop command and control systems, and so on. Modern automated tactical systems are used to control unit fire.
As a result of these upgrades, MLRSs gain the ability to fire not only at areas but also at individual small targets. This makes them akin to tactical missile systems, but with their own distinct advantages.
Modernized and new domestic MLRS systems also feature remotely controlled aiming drives. These simplify the crew's work and reduce the time it takes to prepare for firing or to pack up before leaving. Overall, this is not only about convenience but also about speed and increased survivability.
ISDM "Agriculture" is preparing for mining
With the emergence and widespread use of new types of strike weapons, the issue of survivability has once again become relevant. For combat vehicles in combat zones, this is addressed through camouflage and various add-on protective elements. Moreover, new MLRS models immediately feature armored critical components. Compared to traditional MLRS, the equipment of the NBC protection forces stands out. The Solntsepyok system is built on an armored chassis. tank chassis and have standard protection for the guide package.
New ammo
Domestic MLRS, both completely new and modernized, use a wide range of rocket projectiles. They produce 122mm, 220mm, and 300mm caliber ammunition with different characteristics, combat equipment, additional devices, and more.
The development of ammunition is proceeding along several paths. First and foremost, missiles with increased firing range are being developed. For example, in the mid-2010s, the 9M542 missile for the Tornado-S system entered service. It received a new solid-fuel motor, enabling it to fly 120 km. Meanwhile, new munitions for the Tornado-G, such as the 9M521 or 5M522, have increased the range from 20 to 38-40 km. Ammunition for heavy flamethrower systems is also being developed.
Russian companies have repeatedly demonstrated guided and corrected munitions for MLRS. Simple electronic systems and control devices have dramatically improved accuracy regardless of range. Combined with improved fire control systems, these missiles offer a significant boost in combat effectiveness.
TOS-1A "Solntsepёk" on its way to a firing position
Standard munitions for the Grad, Uragan, and Smerch missiles carry single-warhead or cluster warheads with high-explosive fragmentation, incendiary, and other warheads. Warheads of these classes are constantly being modernized, and new ones are being developed. A whole range of cluster warheads with various payloads—lightweight submunitions, homing warheads, etc.—is available. Several unmanned aerial vehicle launch vehicle variants have been proposed. These could be reconnaissance UAVs or loitering munitions.
There are a number of rockets of various calibers carrying cluster munitions carrying anti-tank and anti-personnel mines. Of particular interest in this context are the munitions for the ISDM "Zemledeliye" (Agriculture) system. These rockets were originally designed as a delivery system for modern mines. They enable the rapid laying of mines in targeted areas at ranges of up to 10-15 km.
The Solntsepyok systems also use their own munitions. They are equipped with several types of missiles with thermobaric warheads. Each munition carries a large amount of incendiary mixture, which results in high yield.
Positive results
A modern multiple launch rocket system consists of several key components, each contributing to the overall performance. The base chassis determines the combat vehicle's mobility and its ability to quickly enter and exit a position. The control and communication systems determine overall accuracy, while the missiles and their payloads determine their effectiveness on selected targets.
The Tornado-G MLRS covered enemy positions.
It's easy to see that in recent decades, Russian MLRS development has generally followed all of these directions. New platforms are being introduced where necessary, and electronics with the necessary functions are being used. New missile models of all calibers and capabilities are also being developed. Simultaneously, similar systems not intended for missile forces or artillery are being developed.
Modern domestic MLRS of all types, as well as similarly designed equipment with similar functions, are actively used in the Special Operation zone. They demonstrate their capabilities and validate the technical solutions used in practice. Furthermore, valuable experience is accumulated, which is then used to refine and improve the systems.
Thus, rocket artillery still has significant potential for development. The Russian defense industry and army are exploiting this potential and achieving new results that positively impact the combat use of the equipment. Clearly, the development of MLRS will not stop there, and their performance will continue to improve.
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