Russia may create robotic multiple launch rocket systems

Robotic multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) may in the future be created based on the Smerch and Tornado-S vehicles, Bekhan Ozdoev, industrial director of the complex of conventional weapons, ammunition and special chemicals of the Rostec state corporation, has said.

“Today we are able to create the best weapons in the world, which include the Smerch and its modifications. In terms of combat power, reliability and many other characteristics, this system and its modifications have no equal. Their modernization potential has not been exhausted. In the future, based on Smerch and Tornado-S, taking into account combat operations, a new generation of MLRS, including robotic ones, can be created. This means that the descendants of Smerch in 300 mm calibre will remain the most powerful MLRS of the Russian army,” Ozdoev told TASS.

Tornado-S is a deeply modernized version of the Smerch MLRS. Improvements affected ammunition, communications and control equipment. As a result, the developers managed to significantly increase the firing range, accuracy and firepower of this type of MLRS.

Like its predecessor, Tornado-S has 12 guides for 300 mm rockets. At the same time, the system is capable of hitting targets at a significantly greater range than Smerch: 120 km versus 70-90 km.

"Tornado-S" is designed to destroy individual and area targets. It is used both defensively and offensively. Each ammunition of this MLRS can receive an individual flight mission and use the capabilities of the GLONASS navigation system.