Russia Showcases Sarma 300mm MLRS in Saudi Arabia Targeting Middle East Buyers.

Images shared on social media on 29 January 2026 show Russia’s Sarma 300 mm multiple launch rocket system, developed by Rosoboronexport, in Saudi Arabia ahead of the World Defense Show in Riyadh. The appearance aligns with Russia’s broader effort to promote its long range rocket artillery systems to Middle Eastern customers.

Images that appeared on social media on 29 January 2026 show the Sarma 300 mm multiple launch rocket system, produced by Russian defense exporter Rosoboronexport, in Saudi Arabia ahead of the World Defense Show 2026, scheduled from 8 to 12 February in Riyadh. Mounted on a KAMAZ-63501 high mobility truck chassis with an armored cab, the system is being presented as part of Russia’s ongoing drive to secure new rocket artillery sales in the Middle East and expand its footprint in the regional defense market.
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The Russian Sarma 300 mm MLRS on a KAMAZ-63501 chassis is shown during delivery in Saudi Arabia ahead of the World Defense Show 2026 (Picture source: X Channel @La_souris_DA)

Sarma is configured with a launcher module equipped with six tubes for 300 mm rockets, a reduced configuration compared with heavier systems such as Tornado-S. Russian sources indicate that the system was developed by Motovilikha Plants using artillery components derived from Tornado-S, but with a design emphasis on lowering overall mass and improving mobility. The reduced launcher size, combined with the use of the four-axle KAMAZ-63501 chassis, is intended to support faster deployment and relocation, addressing survivability concerns in environments where counterbattery radars and unmanned aerial systems are widely employed.

The launcher is integrated with an automated digital fire control and guidance system housed within the armored cab. Engineers have reportedly reinforced the cab structure to improve ballistic protection against fragments and shrapnel, reflecting operational experience from recent conflicts. Russian reporting suggests that the overall weight of Sarma is approximately ten tons lower than that of Tornado-S, which is commonly cited at around 33 tons. This reduction is intended to shorten setup and displacement times after firing, enabling shoot-and-move tactics with a smaller logistical footprint.

In terms of munitions, Sarma is compatible with the full spectrum of 300 mm rockets associated with the Smerch and Tornado-S families. These include unguided rockets with reported ranges of up to 90 kilometers, as well as guided munitions with engagement distances cited at approximately 120 to 130 kilometers. Russian media have also referenced the potential integration of newer guided rockets with extended ranges, though specific performance data for these rounds has not been publicly disclosed. Developers have indicated that the launcher can be fitted with a modular launch package featuring additional protection and a bundled reload system to support faster rearming.

Accuracy is a central aspect of Sarma’s positioning within Russia’s rocket artillery lineup. The system aligns with Russia’s broader transition toward satellite-assisted inertial guidance for large-caliber rockets, moving away from earlier designs that relied on limited course correction. Open-source assessments of related guided rocket families suggest circular error probable values measured in single-digit meters, though no official figures have been released for Sarma-specific munitions.

Operationally, Sarma reflects a shift in Russian artillery concepts toward smaller, more dispersed firing elements. Rather than relying on large batteries delivering massed salvos, recent doctrinal trends emphasize platoon- or section-sized units capable of executing short firing missions and rapidly relocating. This approach is intended to improve survivability against counterbattery fire, loitering munitions, and first-person-view drones, which have become increasingly prevalent on modern battlefields.

The decision to present Sarma in Riyadh highlights Rosoboronexport’s continued interest in the Middle Eastern market for long-range fire systems. Regional armed forces often prioritize systems capable of operating over wide areas, in open terrain, and under high-temperature conditions. By showcasing a lighter 300 mm rocket system alongside more established platforms, Russia seeks to position Sarma as an alternative option within a competitive market that includes Western and Asian rocket artillery solutions.

The presentation of Sarma in Riyadh also reflects the broader context in which Russia is attempting to sustain its defense export activities despite extensive Western sanctions targeting its defense industry and financial sector. While Rosoboronexport remains subject to U.S. and European restrictions, there is no United Nations embargo on Russian conventional arms exports, and several Middle Eastern states do not formally apply Western sanctions.

In this environment, major defense exhibitions such as the World Defense Show serve less as immediate contract-signing venues than as platforms for maintaining visibility, signaling technological continuity, and preserving long-term relationships with potential customers seeking supplier diversification. Sarma’s emphasis on mobility, reduced logistical burden, and compatibility with existing 300 mm rocket families appears tailored to these conditions, allowing Russia to promote systems that rely on established industrial bases and operational concepts while navigating an increasingly constrained export landscape.

Written By Erwan Halna du Fretay - Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group
Erwan Halna du Fretay is a graduate of a Master’s degree in International Relations and has experience in the study of conflicts and global arms transfers. His research interests lie in security and strategic studies, particularly the dynamics of the defense industry, the evolution of military technologies, and the strategic transformation of armed forces.