Exclusive: Russia Unveils New Camouflage Tactic for BM-21 Rocket Launchers in Leaked Video.

In a recent video published on a Russian Social Network, the Russian Ministry of Defense unveiled a new method of concealing its BM-21 "Grad" rocket launchers. The footage demonstrates the use of a soft cover to disguise the powerful multiple rocket launcher systems, making them resemble ordinary trucks during transit.
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The soft cover is a specially designed, flexible material that is draped over the BM-21 "Grad" rocket launcher system when it is in the travel position. (Picture source: Russia MoD)

The BM-21 "Grad," a Soviet-designed 122mm multiple rocket launcher, is a formidable piece of artillery that has been in service since the early 1960s. Despite its age, it remains a significant asset in the arsenals of numerous countries, including Russia. The launcher system, mounted on a Ural-375D six-by-six truck, is capable of firing 40 rockets in rapid succession, covering a large area with devastating firepower.

According to the video, Russian forces have adapted a soft cover to conceal the BM-21 launchers while they are in the travel position. This cover effectively hides the rocket launcher station, making the vehicle appear as a standard cargo truck. The disguise is designed to reduce the visibility of these rocket launchers to enemy surveillance, including aerial reconnaissance and satellite imaging.

The soft cover can be quickly removed or retracted, allowing the BM-21 rocket launcher to deploy within minutes. Once the cover is removed, the launcher can pivot towards the rear of the crew cabin, ready to unleash its rocket barrage. This rapid transition from a disguised transport vehicle to a fully operational rocket launcher is intended to enhance the survivability of the BM-21 units by reducing the time they are exposed to enemy detection and counterattacks.

This new camouflage tactic underscores the ongoing evolution of military strategies in modern warfare, where deception and surprise play critical roles in gaining a tactical advantage. By making their BM-21 launchers appear as harmless trucks, Russian forces aim to maintain the element of surprise and protect their assets from preemptive strikes, a strategic move that significantly alters the dynamics of the battlefield.

The cover is made from durable, lightweight materials that can be quickly removed or retracted when the launcher needs to be deployed. (Picture source Russian MoD)

The deployment of such deceptive measures reflects the broader trend in military operations where advanced technologies and traditional tactics are combined to enhance effectiveness on the battlefield. The Russian Ministry of Defense’s video serves as a powerful reminder of the adaptability and innovation demonstrated by the adversary, underscoring the importance of these qualities in maintaining a strategic edge in current combat scenarios.

In the context of the conflict in Ukraine, where drone technology plays an increasingly critical role in reconnaissance and targeted strikes, Russian forces' use of such camouflage tactics is particularly significant. The concealment of BM-21 "Grad" rocket launchers is designed to evade detection by surveillance drones, which adversaries often employ to identify and track military assets. By disguising these launchers as standard trucks, Russian forces aim to minimize the likelihood of their positions being revealed to enemy drones, thus reducing the risk of preemptive strikes.

This tactic is especially relevant in light of the growing threat posed by suicide drones, or loitering munitions, which can hover over an area for extended periods before identifying and attacking high-value targets. These drones rely on visual confirmation or electronic signatures to engage their targets, making traditional military vehicles and weaponry particularly vulnerable. By using soft covers to disguise the BM-21 rocket launchers, Russian forces increase the chances that these assets will be overlooked by enemy drones, thereby enhancing their survivability.

The video released by the Russian Ministry of Defense highlights the importance of such measures in maintaining operational security in environments where drone warfare is prevalent. In Ukraine battlefield, suicide drones have been used with devastating effect, targeting key military installations and equipment. The ability to quickly transition from a disguised transport mode to a combat-ready position allows the BM-21 launchers to respond swiftly to threats while minimizing the window during which they can be detected and engaged by drones.

A soldier quickly removes the soft cover, instantly revealing the BM-21 rocket launcher, making it ready to fire within seconds (Picture source: Russian MOD)