HIMARS strike showcases vulnerability of Russian BM‑21 Grad
A Russian soldier participating in the conflict in Ukraine decided to film one of the attacks, which was supposed to be carried out using the BM-21 Grad system. However, it didn't occur as planned because a missile from a HIMARS launcher hit the Russian equipment.
The footage that appeared on social media shows the moment the BM-21 Grad, which was preparing to conduct the shelling, was hit and completely destroyed. Secondary explosions are visible, confirming that the launchers were loaded with ammunition.
HIMARS destroys BM-21 Grad
The BM-21 Grad is one of the weapons most frequently used by Russians in Ukraine, mainly because they have large stockpiles of this equipment, which was originally designed in the 1960s.
The system features a tube launcher with 40 guides (10 in each of four rows) for 122 mm calibre missiles, mounted on a truck chassis, most often the Ural-375D. This setup is mobile and can travel at a speed of approximately 70 km/h on a paved road. The range of the BM-21 Grad is about 21 km for standard fragmentation-warhead missiles and up to 40 km when using special ammunition.
Artillery is a key weapon in Ukraine
Not only soldiers but also analysts indicate that seemingly outdated artillery plays a crucial role in assessing the effectiveness of various types of weapons in the conflict in Ukraine. However, the Russians are facing challenges in acquiring additional systems to replace those destroyed by Ukrainians. Warehouse stocks are noticeably dwindling, leading to Moscow acquiring artillery from North Korea by the end of 2024.
The Ukrainians, meanwhile, continuously use both Soviet-era systems and much more modern NATO equipment. An example of this is the HIMARS artillery, which, with its 227 mm GMLRS missiles, can destroy targets within a range of about 70-80 km. The MGM-140 ATACMS ballistic missiles, also compatible with these launchers, provide greater range.
