Russia uses Grad rockets against Ukraine

Russian Defense Ministry on Friday (Apr. 7) released a new video that shows Russian servicemen using Grad multiple rocket systems in Ukraine. The ministry said the Grad crews aim at the target and launch a volley of 122-mm rockets, noting that artillerymen of the Central Military District follow the principle of "one target - one position" which deprives “the enemy of the opportunity” to deliver an aimed retaliatory strike. “As a result of combat use, the crews hit the enemy stronghold,” the statement added. The BM-21 "Grad" which means “hail” is a self-propelled 122 mm multiple rocket launcher designed in the Soviet Union. Currently, the BM-21 Grad is in service with more than 30 countries. It is the most widely used artillery rocket system in the world. The BM-21 Grad has 40 launching tubes for 122 mm rockets. The standard rocket comes with a High Explosive Fragmentation (HE-FRAG) warhead. It is 2.87 m long and weighs 66.6 kg. This artillery rocket system also fires rockets fitted with incendiary, chemical, smoke, illumination or cluster warheads. Cluster warheads contain anti-tank or anti-personnel submunitions. Several other specialized warheads were developed for this system. A full salvo of the BM-21 Grad covers area of 0.8-1 hectares.