Ukraine Adapts Grad Rocket Launcher to US Dodge Ram 1500 to Combat Russian Forces.

Ukrainian soldiers from the 93rd Mechanized Brigade have demonstrated creativity by combining proven Soviet-era technology with an American civilian vehicle, providing a new mobile attack capability in their fight against Russian forces. They adapted a Grad multiple rocket launcher to a Dodge Ram 1500.
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The BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher mounted on a Dodge Ram 1500. (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD)

The BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher is a Soviet-designed weapons system from the 1960s. It uses 122mm unguided rockets, capable of saturating a wide area with devastating firepower. This type of system has been widely used by various armies around the world, particularly for its effectiveness in mobile warfare and large-scale engagements. However, it is a relatively heavy piece of equipment, usually mounted on specific military trucks.

The decision by Ukrainian soldiers to mount a Grad rocket launcher on a civilian vehicle, specifically a Dodge Ram 1500, reflects their ability to adapt to the unique challenges of the modern battlefield. This type of pickup is popular for its toughness, maneuverability, and ability to move quickly over various terrains. By combining the off-road mobility of a pickup truck with the firepower of a multiple rocket launcher, the Ukrainian mechanized brigade has created a mobile firing platform capable of surprising and quickly striking enemy forces before retreating.

Unlike Grad systems mounted on heavier, more visible military trucks, this improvised version on a Dodge Ram offers a degree of discretion and can be used in rapid hit-and-run operations. By moving quickly on secondary roads or rugged terrain, these vehicles can unleash a devastating salvo of rockets and then swiftly withdraw before the enemy can respond. This reduces the risk of being targeted by counter-battery fire or airstrikes.

The use of a civilian vehicle for such a bold military mission highlights the Ukrainian army's need to maximize the use of available resources. As the conflict drags on, Ukrainian forces face shortages of military equipment, especially in terms of armored or specialized vehicles. Moreover, the equipment provided by Western allies, while significant, does not always meet the needs on every front.

In this context, improvisation becomes essential. The Dodge Ram 1500, widely available on the civilian market and easy to adapt for military purposes, represents a practical solution to the lack of specialized vehicles. Furthermore, the simplicity of the Grad system and the availability of compatible munitions make this combination an attractive alternative to more modern artillery systems, which are often more complex to use and maintain.

The BM-21 Grad is a powerful and versatile artillery system equipped with 40 launch tubes of 122mm caliber (in this case, the vehicle is equipped with only six). It can deliver a high volume of fire over a wide area. Each rocket fired from the launcher weighs approximately 77 kg, providing a significant payload for targeting. The system's effectiveness is further enhanced by its range of capabilities. With standard rockets, the BM-21 Grad can hit targets up to 20 kilometers away. However, with the integration of new-generation rockets, its range increases significantly, allowing it to strike at distances between 35 and 40 kilometers. This extended range offers tactical flexibility, enabling forces to engage distant targets while maintaining a safe distance from enemy counterattacks. The BM-21 Grad remains a highly effective tool for rapid and sustained bombardments in modern conflicts.

The adaptation of a Grad rocket launcher onto a Dodge Ram 1500 by the Ukrainian 93rd mechanized brigade perfectly illustrates the ingenuity and resilience displayed by Ukrainian armed forces in their fight against the Russian invasion. By combining proven military equipment with a civilian vehicle, they have created a new type of mobile platform capable of delivering powerful strikes and moving quickly.