Ukraine announces mass production of new rocket launchers

Ukrainian state-owned Ukroboronprom conglomerate formally beginning mass production of Verba 122mm and heavy Vilkha 300mm artillery rocket systems.

According to a UkrOboronProm’s statement, SE Shepetovka Repair Plant (part of conglomerate ) formally launched production of an improved Ukrainian rocket launcher systems.

It expected that the first Verba and Vilkha rocket launcher systems will be delivered to the Ukrainian army in this year.

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The Verba is a 122mm Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) mounted on KrAZ 6×6 truck chassis and equipped with cabin for 5 people.

Fire control, aiming and even recharge is performed automatically from the cabin, without soldiers’ direct intervention. The weight of the new MLRS is nearly 20 tons, though “Verba” can increase the speed up to 85 km/h.

The Verba is intended to replace ageing Soviet-era BM-21 Grad rocket launcher systems.

The “Verba” MLRS developed by “Kharkiv Morozov Machine-Building Design Bureau” and will manufacturing at SE Shepetovka Repair Plant.

Vilkha artillery rocket system

As to the Vilkha, it is heavy artillery rocket system developed by the Kyiv-based LUCH design bureau. Vilkha with 300 mm caliber rockets is considered to be one of the most powerful in the world in its class. The system is intended for the purpose of defeating the targets of any type on the distant approaches.

The rocket has a solid motor and can be armed with various types of warheads. It has so-called inertial correction system, which provides for angular stabilization of the round at the boost phase and flight.

The system will be used to guard straits and territorial waters, to protect offshore sea lines, naval bases, coastal infrastructure, as well as to defend the coast at amphibious landing threat directions within the missile launch range.

The system is capable of launching 12 missiles in just 45 seconds on a distance of up to 120 km. In such a distance, the missiles hit the target with a circular error probable less then 30 meters. At the same time, the mass of one 300 mm missile Vilkha is 800 kg.

The Vilkha high-precision multiple rocket launching system based on KrAZ-7634 chassis.

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Executive Editor

About author:

Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov is the editor-in-chief of Defence Blog. He is a journalist, an accredited defense advisor, and a consultant. His background as a defense advisor and consultant adds a unique perspective to his journalistic endeavors, ensuring that his reporting is well-informed and authoritative. read more

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