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BM-30 Smerch
Photo: Digr · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
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BM-30Smerch

Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) · Russia · 1989
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BM-30Smerch

BM-30 Smerch
BM-30 Smerch Photo: Digr · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Range
85
Saturation Firepower
90
Salvo Size
88
Reload Speed
75
Precision (guided)
80
Mobility
70
Shoot-and-Scoot
72
Ammunition Versatility
85
Technology
82
Cost-Effectiveness
80
Origin Russia
CategoryMultiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS)
EraCold War
In service1989
Operators14 countries
Quantity43
Data Quality86%
82
Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) MASS Rating
1/42
Cold War
4/151
All-Time
Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) · 10 axes scored
Range
85
Saturation Firepower
90
Salvo Size
88
Reload Speed
75
Precision (guided)
80
Mobility
70
Shoot-and-Scoot
72
Ammunition Versatility
85
Technology
82
Cost-Effectiveness
80
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the multiple launch rocket systems (mlrs) category.
01 / Overview
BM-30 Smerch
Country
Production
1989–
Quantity
43
Operators
Conflicts
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
MULTIPLE LAUNCH ROCKET SYSTEMS (MLRS) · COLD WAR
1
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
88
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
82
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
◎General6MOD.6
  • Service Entry Year1989
  • Combat Weight43,700 kg
  • Travel Weight43,700 kg
  • Crew3
  • Carriage TypeWheeled / Towed
  • In ServiceYes
◈Ordnance2MOD.2
  • Calibre300 mm
  • Ordnance Type9M55 or 9M528 rockets
▣Performance2MOD.2
  • Maximum Range (standard)120 km
  • Maximum Range (guided)200 km
◇Ammunition4MOD.4
▤Mobility7MOD.7
  • Self-PropelledYes
  • Prime MoverMAZ-543M or MAZ-79111
  • Emplacement Time3
  • Displacement Time2
  • Shoot-and-ScootYes
  • Road Speed (if SP)60 km/h
  • Range (if SP)850 km
⬢Ammunition Handling2MOD.2
  • Ready Rounds12
  • Resupply Vehicle9T234-2
▲Dimensions3MOD.3
  • Length12 m
  • Width3.05 m
  • Height3.05 m
◎Production1MOD.1
  • Production Start1,989 year
◈Self-Propelled Chassis2MOD.2
  • Engine Power525 hp
  • Suspension8×8 wheeled
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1989Production started
  2. 1999First deployment: Second Chechen War
  3. 2005Sale: India (42 units) · $450 M
37
years in service
43
units produced
14
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Conflicts
BM-30 SMERCH · CONFLICTS SERVED IN0% win·50% ongoing·50% loss
Total Conflicts
2
Victories
0
Ongoing
1
Losses
1
ⓘ Shown only from conflicts recorded in our database.
05 / Variants
▚ WEAPON FAMILY
BM-30 Smerch 1989
// DERIVATIVES
Vilkha 2016
06 / Operators
BM-30 SmerchSALES8records
YearBuyerQuantityAmountPresent Value (2025)
2005India42$450.0 M$741.8 M
1999Algeria18——
—Armenia6$200.0 M$200.0 M
—Azerbaijan50——
—Belarus36——
—Kazakhstan6——
—Kuwait27——
—Libya———
ⓘ "Present Value" is an estimated amount adjusted for inflation.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE8terms
Cluster/DPICM refers to artillery ammunition that disperses submunitions for anti-personnel and anti-vehicle effects.
A digital fire-control system employs computational algorithms to calculate and adjust artillery fire parameters, enhancing accuracy and efficiency in towed systems.
Using GPS data to guide a projectile or system to its target, enhancing accuracy.
High Explosive (HE) round: an artillery or mortar projectile containing explosive filler designed to inflict damage through blast and fragmentation effects.
Artillery or mortar munition equipped with guidance systems to alter its trajectory after firing for increased accuracy.
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.
Artillery classification distinguishing self-propelled wheeled vehicles from weapons towed by external means.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) entry →