For the First Time Ukraine Uses US-Supplied M30 GMLRS Cluster Munitions To Strike Russian Forces.

According to information published on X (Twitter) Account "Ukraine Battle Map" on June 5, 2024, Ukraine has deployed M30 GMLRS (DPICM) cluster munition rockets provided by the United States for the first time. The rockets were used in an attack on Belgorod, a city in western Russia, marking a notable development in the military tactics and capabilities being utilized in the region.
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The US has already delivered 20 HIMARS to Ukraine, capable of launching M30 GMLRS cluster munitions. (Picture source: Ukraine Mod)

The M30 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) is an advanced precision rocket designed to be launched from the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). Developed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the M30 GMLRS offers significant capabilities for modern warfare, particularly in delivering precision strikes over long distances.

Each M30 rocket measures 3.94 meters (12.9 feet) in length and has a diameter of 227 mm (8.9 inches). It weighs approximately 307 kg (676 lbs). The rocket is equipped with Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions (DPICM), containing 404 M101 submunitions that disperse over a wide area to maximize damage against personnel and equipment.

The HIMARS, the launching platform, is a highly mobile and versatile system. The vehicle is 7 meters (22.9 feet) long, designed to provide rapid deployment and high mobility on the battlefield. The HIMARS can carry a single pod with six rockets, allowing for quick reloading and sustained operations.

The M30 GMLRS has a range of over 70 kilometers, enabling it to engage targets at significant distances with high accuracy. This precision capability is achieved through an advanced guidance system with GPS and inertial navigation. The combination of the M30 rocket's destructive power and the HIMARS platform's mobility makes this system a formidable asset in modern military operations

The United States, which has been a critical supporter of Ukraine, has a stockpile of fewer than 1,950 M30 rockets. The decision to supply Ukraine with these advanced munitions reflects the ongoing commitment of the US to support Ukraine's defense efforts against Russian aggression.

The recent use of M30 GMLRS rockets by Ukraine, provided by the United States, highlights the strategic importance of this technology in contemporary conflicts. The deployment of such advanced weaponry underscores the evolving nature of military engagements and the increasing reliance on precision-guided munitions to achieve tactical and strategic objectives.

Belgorod, located close to the Ukrainian border, has seen increased military activity recently. The use of cluster munitions in this region is likely to have significant implications, both militarily and politically. Cluster munitions are controversial due to their potential for causing civilian casualties, and their use is regulated by international law. However, neither the United States nor Ukraine is a signatory to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which bans their use.