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BM-21 Grad
Photo: Robert Wray · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
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BM-21Grad

Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) · Russia · 1963
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BM-21Grad

BM-21 Grad
BM-21 Grad Photo: Robert Wray · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Range
60
Saturation Firepower
80
Salvo Size
75
Reload Speed
40
Precision (guided)
20
Mobility
65
Shoot-and-Scoot
50
Ammunition Versatility
70
Technology
55
Cost-Effectiveness
85
Origin Russia
CategoryMultiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS)
EraCold War
In service1963
Operators86 countries
Quantity100,000
Data Quality88%
61
Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) MASS Rating
7/42
Cold War
55/151
All-Time
Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) · 10 axes scored
Range
60
Saturation Firepower
80
Salvo Size
75
Reload Speed
40
Precision (guided)
20
Mobility
65
Shoot-and-Scoot
50
Ammunition Versatility
70
Technology
55
Cost-Effectiveness
85
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the multiple launch rocket systems (mlrs) category.
01 / Overview
BM-21 Grad
Country
Production
1963–
Quantity
100,000
Operators
Conflicts
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
MULTIPLE LAUNCH ROCKET SYSTEMS (MLRS) · COLD WAR
7
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
94
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
61
multiple launch rocket systems (mlrs) category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the multiple launch rocket systems (mlrs) category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General5MOD.5
  • Service Entry Year1963
  • Combat Weight13,710 kg
  • Crew3
  • Carriage TypeSelf-Propelled
  • In ServiceYes
◈Ordnance3MOD.3
  • Calibre122 mm
  • Ordnance TypeMultiple rocket launcher
  • Recoil SystemNone / Rigid
▣Performance4MOD.4
  • Minimum Range0.5 km
  • Maximum Range (standard)20.4 km
  • Muzzle Velocity690 m/s
  • Rate of Fire (burst)40
◆Mobility5MOD.5
▤Ammunition Handling1MOD.1
  • Ready Rounds40
⬢Dimensions3MOD.3
  • Length7.35 m
  • Width2.4 m
  • Height3.09 m
▲Production2MOD.2
  • Total Production100,000
  • Production Start1,963 year
◎Self-Propelled Chassis2MOD.2
  • Engine Power180 hp
  • Suspension6×6 wheeled
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1945First deployment: Cold War
  2. 1963Production started
63
years in service
100,000
units produced
82
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it. 4 countries retired it.
05 / Variants
▚ WEAPON FAMILY
BM-21 Grad 1963
// DERIVATIVES
06 / Operators
Operator Inventory1country · 40units
40active
07 / MASS Score
MULTIPLE LAUNCH ROCKET SYSTEMS (MLRS) RANKING Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) · Cold War
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE7terms
Cluster/DPICM refers to artillery ammunition that disperses submunitions for anti-personnel and anti-vehicle effects.
High Explosive (HE) round: an artillery or mortar projectile containing explosive filler designed to inflict damage through blast and fragmentation effects.
Artillery system with integrated propulsion, enabling movement under its own power rather than being towed.
Artillery tactic where a firing unit rapidly deploys, fires, and relocates to avoid counter-battery fire.
Smoke grenades are pyrotechnic devices deployed by infantry fighting vehicles to create a visual screen, obscuring movement or positions from enemy observation or targeting.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) entry →