BM-21 Grad

BM-21 "Grad" (GRAU index 9K51) is a 122 mm multiple rocket launcher system. Developed in the USSR, it was based on the chassis of the Ural-375 truck with a 2B5 launcher installed. The BM-21 "Grad" is a development of the "Katyusha" rocket artillery system and has served as the basis for other systems, including the 9K55 "Grad-1". Its maximum firing range is 42 km. The BM-21 "Grad" is designed for providing general fire support to divisions and brigades, striking enemy personnel, armored and unarmored vehicles, field fortifications, minefields, smoke screens and radio jamming, creating fire outbreaks, illuminating the battlefield, and conducting propaganda.

The development of the system began on May 30, 1960, on the basis of USSR Council of Ministers Resolution No. 578-236. The main work was carried out at Research Institute-147. The design task was to create a launcher based on a production vehicle. The first factory tests of the BM-21 took place in late 1961. On March 28, 1963, the system was adopted by the USSR Armed Forces, and mass production began in 1964.

The first use of the system took place during the battles for the Daman Island in March 1969.

The active phase of the confrontation between the two sides began on March 2, 1969, and by March 15, the conflict had reached its peak. It was then that the Chinese deployed several platoons of infantry with the support of several artillery batteries. The battle for the island, which involved the use of armored vehicles (APCs and T-62 tanks), lasted for several hours.

By 5:00 p.m., Soviet border guards were forced to leave the island. The Chinese intensified their mortar fire and the border guards could not respond as they lacked artillery. By that time, Colonel D. Leonov, the commander of the Imansky border detachment, had been killed, and several armored personnel carriers were lost in the fighting.

Finally, the commander of the Far Eastern Military District, O. Losik, took responsibility and unilaterally decided to support the border guards. At approximately 17:10, an artillery regiment, several mortar batteries, and a division of "Grad" rocket launchers from the 135th division opened fire. The bombardment lasted for 10 minutes and caused significant damage to the enemy forces advancing towards Damansky Island, with reserves, supply points, and warehouses destroyed.

Simultaneously, an attack was launched with 5 tanks, 12 APCs, and 2 motorized infantry platoons from the 199th motorized rifle regiment, as well as one motorized maneuver group of border guards. The Chinese were driven off the island.

Since 1970, the BM-21 "Grad" system has been involved in almost all local armed conflicts around the world in various climatic zones. The Ukrainian modernized version of the BM-21K was created by the state-owned enterprise 100th Kharkiv Plant in collaboration with the Morozov Design Bureau in Kharkiv. The main advantages of the BM-21K include an increased range of target engagement from 20 to 40 km, a new system for rapid reloading, the ability to conduct accurate fire with a maximum error of 90 meters at a distance of 40 km, the introduction of a satellite observation and targeting system, and increased control of guided missiles.