“It hit so hard that the missiles scattered in all directions”: The Russian Lancet destroyed the American M270 MLRS system

Multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) have always been an important component of the arsenal of the armed forces of many countries. However, despite their effectiveness, the United States for a long time did not pay much attention to the design and production of MLRS, relying mainly on aviation to support ground operations. The situation changed after the Vietnam War and a series of Arab-Israeli conflicts, when the Americans physically lacked fire support for ground forces, and the Soviet Grad rocket launcher demonstrated high efficiency.

History of American MLRS

In October 1973, during the Yom Kippur War, the Soviet Union provided its Arab allies with the first export versions of the Grad MLRS. It was the Soviet rocket launcher that was called the most effective weapon of the armies of Syria and Iraq. The most significant losses of the Israeli army were suffered precisely after the impact of the modernized Russian Katyushas. In particular, in October 1973, an Iraqi MLRS ambush destroyed a battery of heavy-duty 175-mm M-107 self-propelled guns.

These gloomy statistics forced the Pentagon to step on the throat of its favorite song with exclusive aviation support and puzzle the largest concerns such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin and others with the creation of MLRS. This is how the first installation based on the M2 Bradley chassis was released, which eventually became the base for the current wheeled Highmars. However, there were also differences. The system, coded and named M270 MLRS, carried twice as many guides for conventional 227-mm rockets as the familiar wheeled version. And when the MGM-1988 ATACMS operational-tactical missiles entered service with US missile units in 140, two such MRLS units could be carried at once.

Hopes for HIMARS and MLRS

As soon as the Americans made their version of the machine, they imposed it on the rest of the NATO allies, including France. In the Old World, the system was produced under the MARS brand. It was these modifications of cars that went mainly to Eastern Europe from Great Britain, Holland, France and the USA in 2022-23. Starting with the European modification MARS2/LRU and the American M270A2, they received all the capabilities of the updated Haymars system, including the ability to fire high-precision projectiles and ATACMS guided missiles. The main performance characteristics, except for the number of shells and type of chassis, are absolutely identical. Simply put, MRLS is simply two standard M142 HIMARS, also on a tracked basis, which gives it additional mobility in off-road conditions.

Lancet destroyed MLRS

The MRLS made its combat premiere in 1991, during Operation Desert Storm, and truly distinguished itself during the 2003 Iraq War. Many headquarters and warehouses of Saddam's army were destroyed with her direct participation. In total, the Americans used 400 missiles, 132 of which were high-precision. In Eastern Europe, it also established itself as a powerful and almost elusive weapon when operating in a “hit-and-run” style. But now even this tactic has ceased to help. Until this April, there were only rumors about its destruction, although it is possible that it still fell under distribution. And now MRLS has undoubtedly become acquainted with our best kamikaze drone, the Lancet.

“It hit so hard that the missiles scattered in all directions. The installation was within the range of the Lancet and it worked successfully.", - the source said.

Judging by the nature of the blow, it is unlikely that it will be possible to restore it. So the popular Russian UAV received its next prize trophy - of increased value.

Thus, despite the secrecy of this American MLRS, it is not a problem for the Russian military, at least in the affected area of ​​the Russian Lancet.