Mobius report 81/2022 – Improvised Multiple Rocket Launchers, Ukraine

Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, improvised multiple rocket launchers mounted on pickups and large trucks have appeared on the front lines, in the vicinity of Kharkiv, Kherson, Kryvyi Rih, Mykolaiv and Donetsk. The Ukrainians’ use of improvised MRLs is facilitated by assistance from local car shops and mechanics, where they are assembled, and with the supply of functional MRL tubes and compatible ordnance, usually from damaged standard Grad units. The electric control panels used to fire the rockets are also improvised, usually assembled using components available in local electric stores. In addition to Grad systems, launch tubes compatible with S-8 air-to-surface rockets have been documented mounted on civilian vehicles. The Russians rely mainly on standard artillery units. However, the Russia-backed separatists in the Donetsk People’s Republic use the “Cheburashka” MRL produced by the local DNR defense industry. The most interesting aspect of this weapon is its compatible improvised ordnance with an uncommon caliber, also made in the DNR. The nature of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict has made artillery a key element of the warfare; thus, it is likely military units with no access to standard MRLs will continue to improvise solutions to compensate for this deficiency.