The Ukrainian Ground Forces are using their new Bureviy, also known as Stormy or Hurricane, as one of its attack artillery against Russia. Together with US-donated HIMARS, this multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) is paving the way for a highly targeted offensive from Ukraine.
The Bureviy MLRS was first introduced in 2020, and it is an updated version of the Soviet-era Uragan. In 2016, about 70 Uragan launcher vehicles were considered one of the top machines in Ukraine. However, because of Uragan’s older mechanism, some parts are no longer in production, like its wheeled chassis. This is one of the reasons why the Bureviy was born.
The Bureviy uses a Czech Tatra T815-7T3RC1 mobility vehicle with an 8×8 configuration. It still uses the Uragan launcher, which has 16 launch tubes to fit 220 mm rockets. Another addition to the “new Uragan” is its software that can now do automated fire control commands. It also has more advanced communication technologies that allow Ukrainians to reach out to far-off troops and receive live updates. Aside from its attack power, the Bureviy’s improved navigation system will enable it to pass through rough terrain, making it agile for intelligence-gathering missions.
This Ukrainian MLRS is highly effective for area targets, too. It has precision targeting allows it to detect troops, military vehicles, radars, air defense batteries, airfields, and other area targets, delivering one single rocket or a full salvo. Its full salvo can cover about 4.3 hectares.
In Partnership With Britain
In June, Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that they would assist Kyiv in developing a more robust missile system with permission from the US. This includes the delivery of the M270B1 MLRS (a US classic).
To add, earlier this month, Britain promised more MLRS to Ukraine. According to Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, they are also donating precision-guided M31A1 missiles which can strike targets up to 50 miles away. This will allow Ukraine to keep its momentum to advance to its borders. Partnered with the HIMARS, the long-range offense also allows Ukrainian soldiers to be in safer locations instead of fighting a direct confrontation.
“This latest tranche of military support will enable the Armed Forces of Ukraine to continue to defend against Russian aggression and the indiscriminate use of long-range artillery.”
The Ukrainian Ground Forces were also trained in the UK to use these launchers. There are also trained navigators that will improve the effectiveness of these systems. The UK will also train another 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers in infantry skills in the coming months. This program will be supported by other countries like Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Canada, and Denmark.
The joint effort was spearheaded during the Copenhagen Conference for Northern European Defence Allies of Ukraine.
“Our continued support sends a very clear message, Britain and the international community remain opposed to this illegal war and will stand shoulder-to-shoulder, providing defensive military aid to Ukraine to help them defend against Putin’s invasion,” Wallace said.
Russia’s Own Automated MLRS?
Meanwhile, Russia’s trying to find ways they could counter the powerful HIMARS and these new Bureviy that are destroying their military bases (take a look at Crimea). So, last week, it was announced that Russia’s looking to build its very own “robotic” MLRS that they’re expecting to make a huge dent in the war.
“We are working on the robotization of a promising multiple launch rocket system. This will make it possible to exclude the presence of the crew of the combat vehicle in the danger zone, while we will also retain the ability to control the MLRS by a person from the cockpit of the combat vehicle,” Vladimir Pimenov, General Director of VNII Signal, part of Rostec High-Precision Systems Holding Company told Sputnik.
It is unverified which MRLS system they’re looking to upgrade, but Pimenov said 100 percent automation is still not possible at this point. However, they could potentially add some kind of automation to the Tornado G and the Tornado-S MLRS.
The manufacturer said the new components will allow them to control the “guidance of the launch package, and the firing itself, and to carry out automatic topographic positioning and orientation of the combat vehicle on the ground.”
Additionally, they’re aiming to create a system that will allow them to remotely enter any flight mission data, and the system just automatically produces the launch projectiles that will hit the target “without the crew having to leave their cabin.”
However, even with these plans, there are no definitive dates on this Russian-manufactured “robotic MLRS.” So, at the present state of the Ukraine-Russia war, they’re still lagging behind.
