Ukraine's defence forces have destroyed a very rare Russian Smerch multiple rocket launcher system with an export value of more than $12 million
Confirmation has emerged of the destruction of the second Russian Smerch multiple launch rocket system. Almost a year passed between the two episodes.
Here's What We Know
On October 5, 2022, analysts @UAWeapons wrote that a 9A52-2 launcher had been destroyed in the Kharkiv region. More than 11 months later, it became known about the elimination of the second multiple rocket launcher. This time it was hit in Zaporizhzhya region.
#Ukraine: The Russian Army also lost a 9A52(-2) launch vehicle of the 9K58-series Smerch 300mm MRLS in the vicinity of Izium, #Kharkiv. An unfired rocket can be seen. pic.twitter.com/Hl3EeLhLbU
- ???????? Ukraine Weapons Tracker (@UAWeapons) October 5, 2022
The photos of the burning launcher were taken by a Ukrainian-made SHARK drone. Apparently, it was this reconnaissance drone that corrected the strike.
good ranku! pic.twitter.com/PhsTwe5Jhp
- zovnternalPilot (@externalPilot) September 15, 2023
As we can see, the Ukrainian Defence Forces rarely manage to destroy a Smerch. Apart from the two launchers, only one component of the multiple launch rocket system was eliminated, namely the 9T234-2 transport and loading vehicle.
Returning to the 9A52-2, it is worth noting that the launcher contains a dozen guides for 300mm rockets. Depending on the type of projectile, the maximum launch range is 70km or 120km and the minimum range is 20km. The export value of the system is estimated at $12.5 million.
Source: @GogoLog63467827
