INTERFAX news agency reports about signing of contract for supply of two regiment sets of Russian-made Smertch Multiple Launcher Rocket System to India.

As per the contract of 31 December, 2005, two regiments of Smertch Multiple Launcher Rocket System in the most advanced modification will have been supplied to India by the end of 2007.

According to unofficial sources, 28 launchers of Smertch MLRS will be supplied to India.

Smertch MLRS is one of the most powerful and high-performance means of suppression of enemy's troops and means. Their recent modifications can use six types of rockets of various designation, including a 300 mm rocket with cluster head, armed with hollow charge fragmentation combat elements. It is designed to destroy the enemy's man-power at open ground or in shelters, light armored equipment and certain fortifications at the distance from 25 to 70 km. Rocket weight is 800 kg, mass of war-head is 100 kg.

A special 300 mm rocket, armed with anti-tank mines, has been developed to fight armoured equipment. It enables remote laying of minefield at tank hazardous directions (25 mines). Arsenal of Smertch MLRS includes rockets with cluster heads, armed with homing, fragmentation, thermobaric combat elements and detachable high-explosive head.

Smertch MLRS is composed of combat vehicle (on the base of MAZ or Tatra vehicle) with 12 guides, rockets, equipped with control system at the active section of flight trajectory, transportation-loading vehicle, automated fire control complex. Launching time of 12 rockets – is 38 seconds, reloading time is 16 minutes.

Sergyi Wey
26.01.2006

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