Ukrainian Partisans Track Missile Launcher Move Inside Territory

Ukrainian partisans from the Atesz group have reported observing the transport of several BM-21 Grad rocket launchers, which are being moved deeper into Ukrainian territory, according to Defense Express. This article delves into the capabilities of this weapon.

The Atesz partisan movement has noted the transportation of a train loaded with rocket launchers heading towards the Kherson oblast. Initially stationed in the city of Dzhankoy, the move by the invading forces suggests an attempt to avoid perhaps recent strikes targeting the Dzhankoy airport. This relocation could also be strategically aimed at placing the Grads in a position to enhance the reach of Russian missiles beyond their current capabilities from Dzhankoy. Ukrainian partisans indicate a rapid depletion of "equipment warehouses."

It's revealed that Ukrainians have precise knowledge of the rocket launchers' final location. A statement on Telegram suggests, "We’re not in the dark about the train's ultimate stop. We fully know their storage location, leaving them limited time."

The BM-21 Grad, a self-propelled multiple rocket launcher, was initiated in 1960 and introduced to the military by 1963. Its public unveiling occurred in 1964.

This Soviet-era launcher is equipped with 40 tubular guide rails, set up in four rows of ten, mounted on a Ural-375D truck chassis with a 6x6 drive system. The Grads primarily fire the M-21OF projectile, a fragmentation-explosive warhead weighing around 154 lbs and capable of striking targets nearly 13 miles away.

Operated by a three-person crew, the vehicle stretches over 24 feet long, stands taller than 9.8 feet, and weighs over 15.2 tons. This robust design, supported by wheeled traction, can achieve speeds of up to 46.6 mph and has a range of roughly 248.5 miles on a full tank. The BM-21 has inspired adaptations, such as the Polish WR-41 Langusta launcher.