Ukrainian FPV Drone Destroys Fully-Loaded Russian Grad Launcher in Donetsk Region, Video

A Ukrainian drone from the “Birds of Magyar” unit has destroyed a Russian BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) in the Donetsk region, according to footage released by Robert “Magyar” Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, on July 7.

The video, recorded by a Ukrainian reconnaissance drone, captures the moment a Ukrainian FPV drone approaches the Russian rocket launcher, which was fully deployed and ready to fire from a forward combat position.

Seconds later, a massive explosion erupts, triggered by the simultaneous detonation of all loaded rockets in the launch tubes.

If a Russian crew was inside or nearby during the drone’s impact, they were likely killed instantly.

Open-source intelligence analyst moklasen, posting on the social platform X, stated that the attack occurred in Andriivka, Donetsk region.

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.

Despite its age, the Grad has remained a mainstay of Russian artillery. However, as drone warfare intensifies, particularly the widespread use of FPV drones by Ukrainian forces, these Soviet-era systems have become increasingly vulnerable.

Earlier, Ukrainian troops destroyed a Russian BM-21 Grad that was reportedly loaded with chemical munitions.

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