Ukraine: New BM-21 UM Berest 122mm MLRS based on KrAZ 4x4 chassis

The new MLRS will replace the BМ-21 Grad in service with the Ukrainian army. 122mm MLRS has been importantly upgraded by SE Shepetovka Repair Plant. Ukroboronprom decided to use new generation KrAZ truck as the basis for its new vehicle design.

BМ-21 UМ Berest MLRS based on a KrAZ 4x4 chassis (Picture source: Ukroboronprom)

The new vehicle was unveiled at the Arms and Security Exhibition that took place last week in Kiev. The BМ-21 Berest provides more firepower, precision of fire, integration of ordnance digital control and guidance systems, mobility and shortened ready to fire time as compared to Grad.

Only Ukrainian-made components are used for the production of this multiple rocket system. Its feature is digital fire control system, allowing the crew to prepare to fire, especially, to perform artillery survey, without leaving the cab. Another feature of new MLRS is its increased firepower from 40 rockets to 50. New digital technologies integrating Berest into information exchange system enable the MLRS crew to get precise coordinates of enemy positions in real time, these ones being processed and provided by drones, counter-battery radar and other surveillance systems. This integration improves fire precision and efficiency by huge ratio.

The 4х4 КрАЗ 5401НЕ off-road truck Berest has been recently developed by AutoKrAZ. The payload capacity of the KrAZ-5401НЕ is 9 tonnes. Special vehicle based on this chassis with wide tires and tire inflation control system can be used on all kinds of roads and off-road, on rugged terrains. Fuel range is up to 600 km with the two fuel tanks of 165 liters each. The vehicle can travel at a speed exceeding 90 km/h.