November 10, 2024, 6:02 pm
Sponsored by: Private Internet Access: https://www.piavpn.com/Perun
On this channel we’ve spent a bit of time looking at systems that have underperformed (or are claimed to have underperformed) in Ukraine against the backdrop of a changing battlefield and the rising prominence of newer systems like drones and loitering munitions.
Multiple Rocket Launchers (MRLs) don’t appear to fall into that category.
From the US designed HIMARS and M270s to some of Russia’s own, dangerous systems, MRLs have played a major role in Ukraine and are the subject of intense development and procurement activity around the world.
In this episode, I look at their development, doctrine, use in Ukraine, and ask what might be next for these dangerous battlefield systems.
Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/PerunAU
Reading and Sourcing (incomplete):
SIPRI Arms transfer databases
https://www.sipri.org/databases
FM6-60 (1996) Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Operations
https://www.bits.de/NRANEU/others/amd-us-archive/FM6-60%281996%29.pdfv
Use of Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)
in Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain (MOUT)
https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA397818.pdf
RUSI – MLRS & the totality of the battlefield (early 2023)
https://rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/mlrs-and-totality-battlefield
ER GMLRS enters production
https://www.defensenews.com/land/2024/06/26/extended-range-version-of-army-guided-rocket-enters-production/
Rosoboronexport official figures on Grad characteristics
https://roe.ru/eng/catalog/land-forces/missile-systems-multiple-rocket-launchers-mrl-atgm-systems-and-field-artillery-guns/grad/
Featured image of ATACMS strike on GBAD battery
https://www.twz.com/news-features/atacms-obliterates-russian-air-defense-system-as-it-desperately-tries-to-defend-itself
Thundart
https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/weapons/eurosatory-2024-mbda-and-safran-team-up-on-thundart-guided-artillery-rocket
K239 ASBM Offering
https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/defence/adas-2024-hanwha-unveils-anti-ship-missile-for-chunmoo-mrlv
Hanwha Aerospace unmanned MRL concept
https://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/2024/10/hanwha-aerospace-unveils-unmanned-mlrs-concept/
TASS on HIMARS claim
https://tass.com/politics/1808787
KDI cluster munition at ADEX 2023 – EDR
ADEX 2023 – Mass versus accuracy: KDI unveils a new unguided 230 mm rocket for the Chunmoo MRL
Reporting on PRSM
https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2024/06/25/us-armys-new-precision-missile-hit-moving-target-in-pacific-exercise/
Reporting on Rocket motor production
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/l3harris-unit-making-rocket-motors-used-ukraine-says-business-has-surged-2024-10-29/
https://www.defenseone.com/business/2024/07/raytheon-hunting-another-us-supplier-solid-rocket-motors/398263/v
Caveats & Comments:
All normal caveats and comments apply. In particular – I would like to note as always that this material has been created for entertainment purposes and is not intended to be a complete or comprehensive examination of the topic in question and should not be relied upon to inform financial or other similar decisions.
Any content relating to the conduct or political views and/or activities of any person or character in this video is included for entertainment purposes and does not represent an assertion of fact on those matters.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 — Opening Words
00:01:09 — What Am I Talking About
00:03:10 — History
00:03:26 — Early Concepts
00:07:03 — Ww2 Developments
00:12:34 — Cold War
00:19:54 — Enter MLRS
00:24:13 — Doctrine & Concept
00:33:22 — Russian Usage
00:40:54 — Ukrainian Usage
00:45:20 — Primary Competitors
00:48:32 — Trend 1: More Mobile Rocketry
00:50:48 — Trend 2: Diversified Payloads
00:53:05 — Trend 3: Extended Reach
00:55:40 — A Case For A Reduced Precision?
01:01:19 — Channel Update
Content Creator – Perun
