Russia’s Tornado-S multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) will replace the Cold War-era Smerch and Uragan systems within the next seven years.
“The planned rearmament of rocket artillery units with advanced Tornado multiple launch rocket systems continues. By the end of 2027, Tornado-S large-caliber multiple launch rocket systems with enhanced characteristics and the expanded range of rocket projectiles will fully replace existing Smerch launchers and outdated Uragan systems while Tornado-G medium-caliber weapons with automated target aiming will replace outdated Grad multiple rocket launchers,” Chief of Russia’s Missile Troops and Artillery Lieutenant-General Mikhail Matveyevsky was quoted as saying by the Defense Ministry’s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper on Wednesday.
The Tornado is Russia’s answer to the US Army’s High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). Manufacturer Lockheed Martin completed final test of its new Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) by firing it from HIMARS launcher in May.
The Tornado-S is a considerable upgrade from the 9K58 Tornado, designed to destroy distant group targets (personnel, unarmored, lightly armored and armored vehicles), tactical missiles, aerial defense systems, parked helicopters, command points, communication nodes and military industrial infrastructure. The system can fire its rockets in a salvo or as individual precision missiles. It can also use adjustable ammunition.
The Tornado-S is an upgraded version of BM-30 Smerch and fires heavier 300mm rockets. It reportedly has a range of 75 miles and able to blast an area of 2.6 miles. The system can fire its rockets in a salvo or as individual precision missiles. It can also use adjustable ammunition.
The unique long-range 300 mm Tornado-S MLRS allows firing at a range of up to 120 km and covering an area exceeding 60 ha. The complex is capable of firing both with single rockets and a full salvo of 12 guides.
A key feature of the Tornado-S MLRS is a new automated guidance and fire control system that allows you to simultaneously control the division’s fire, as well as automatically calculate target data, direct packages of guiding combat vehicles in horizontal and vertical planes.
The system received export clearance from the Russian MoD in 2019.
