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A Russian Grad Was Ready to Fire—Ukrainian Drones Hit First, Video
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Operators from Ukraine’s 79th Separate Air Assault Tavrian Brigade destroyed a Russian BM-21 Grad multiple-launch rocket system near the village of Malynivka, east of Myrnohrad, the brigade said on December 22, releasing video footage of the strike.
According to the unit, the Russian Grad launcher was positioned with a full load of rockets and was preparing to fire on Ukrainian positions. Timely reconnaissance allowed Ukrainian forces to detect the launcher before it could open fire.
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Strike-drone operators from the brigade’s Perun Corps unit identified the target, tracked its position, and carried out a precision strike that destroyed the launcher while it was still fully armed.
By hitting the Grad system before it could launch its rockets, Ukrainian forces prevented a potential barrage against frontline units, neutralizing both the launcher and its ammunition in a single strike.
The BM-21 Grad (“Hail”) is one of the most recognizable and widely used Soviet-designed multiple rocket launchers. Developed in the early 1960s, it was officially adopted into service on March 28, 1963, after a series of field and combat tests. Since then, it has been used in conflicts around the world, including extensively by Russian forces in their war against Ukraine.
Mounted on a Ural-4320 high-mobility truck chassis, the BM-21 is armed with 40 launch tubes capable of firing 122 mm rockets.
A full salvo takes only 20 seconds, covering an impact area of up to 14.5 hectares. The system has a maximum firing range of 40 kilometers, a reload time of 7 minutes, and can retreat from a position within 1 minute after launching an attack.
The launcher’s crew typically consists of three personnel, and the vehicle can carry up to 60 rockets in total.
Earlier, Ukrainian troops destroyed a Russian BM-21 Grad multiple-launch rocket system that was reportedly loaded with chemical munitions.
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