Russia to develop robotic variant of Tornado-S 300mm MLRS.

As reported by TASS on November 20, 2023, the Russian state corporation Rostec has unveiled plans to bolster its military capabilities through the development of a robotic 300 mm Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) based on the existing BM-30 Smerch and Tornado-S MLRS.
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The Tornado-S is a modernized version of the Soviet-made BM-30 Smerch 300mm Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). (Picture source: Yandex)

Bekhan Ozdoev, the industrial director of Rostec's complex of conventional weapons, ammunition, and special chemicals, has emphasized the untapped modernization potential of rocket systems, particularly the Smerch and its variants. Looking ahead, Ozdoev envisions the development of a new generation of MLRS, incorporating robotic platforms and drawing on experience gained from the Russo-Ukrainian war.

Ozdoev further highlighted the Tornado-S's extended range over the Iskander operational-tactical missile systems. With the introduction of new guided missiles coupled with a satellite navigation system, the Tornado-S can now engage targets at distances of up to 120 km. According to him, this enhanced capability positions the Tornado-S as a versatile solution capable of targeting both individual and area objectives with precision and power comparable to tactical missile systems.

At the forefront of this modernization effort is the Tornado-S, a modernized version of the Soviet-made BM-30 Smerch 300mm Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), which entered service with the Russian armed forces in 1987. Manufactured by the Russian company Motovilikhinskie Zavody, the Tornado-S received approval for service in July–August 2016, with the Russian army placing orders for the first rocket launchers in the summer of 2019. Another batch of Tornado-S units was delivered in November 2022, indicating an upgrade in Russia's artillery capabilities.

This modernized MLRS introduces precision weaponry capabilities, departing from the BM-30 Smerch's reliance solely on unguided rockets. The Tornado-S incorporates a GPS satellite navigation system, enabling the launch of guided rockets and expanding its firing range to a maximum of 120 km, with the vehicle's launch readiness time significantly reduced to just three minutes. The Tornado-S has demonstrated enhanced shooting accuracy compared to the BM-30, ranging from 3 to 15 times more precise, allowing for a salvo of rockets to be distributed among multiple targets with swift launcher vehicle relocation.

The Tornado-S 9A54 launcher vehicle, mounted on an 8x8 military truck chassis, features 12 launcher tubes and can fire a diverse array of guided and unguided rockets. Guided rockets include the 9M544 and 9M549, offering high-explosive and fragmentation capabilities. On the unguided front, rockets such as the 9M55K, 9M55K4, and 9M528 fulfill various roles, including anti-tank, thermobaric, and high-explosive fragmentation.

However, the Tornado-S is not the only military vehicle in Russia undergoing transformation into an unmanned combat platform. Uralvagonzavod (UVZ), as reported by Army Recognition on September 11, 2023, has entered the testing phase of the Sturm unmanned combat robot. This robot is constructed on the T-72B3 tank chassis and is intended for deployment on the Ukrainian frontline. While the development of this unmanned tank project began before the onset of the Ukrainian conflict, recent events appear to have accelerated its progress.

Furthermore, alongside these advancements, Russia has been actively developing more autonomous missiles and drones. The Russian military has deployed the latest S-400 Triumf missiles in Ukraine, featuring active homing heads. These heads are equipped with radar transceivers, allowing the missiles to independently locate and track their targets. Additionally, reports indicate the deployment of an upgraded version of the Lancet kamikaze drone, identified as the "Izdeliye-53 or Z-53." According to Russian sources, the utilization of these advanced drones commenced on October 21, 2023. Reported on August 31, 2023, there are also indications that Russia may be in the developmental stages of a 6x6 Multiple Launch Drone System (MLDS) intended for this latest iteration of Lancet kamikaze drones.