After more than two years of war, Russia's stockpiles of rocket artillery are nearly depleted, according to analysis from Covert Cabal, which is based on satellite imagery.
A Relic of the Cold War
Experts estimate that Russia has only 23% of its multiple rocket launchers remaining compared to pre-war levels.
The BM-21 Grad system, a relic of the Cold War, has seen the greatest reduction, with only 16% of its original units left, according to WP.
Prior to the conflict, Russia had 859 BM-21 Grad launchers, but now only 137 remain. Additionally, Russia's BM-27 Uragan systems are at 40% of their pre-war numbers, while BM-30 Smierch systems have dropped to just 12%.
During wartime, the most functional units are typically used first, leaving those in worse condition for later. This means that the actual number of usable systems could be even lower, as some of these remaining units may require extensive repairs or upgrades.
Immense Firepower
Many modern Russian rocket systems are built using older frameworks. For example, the newer Tornado-S launchers are based on the BM-30 Smierch, and with aging technology, sourcing parts for systems originally designed decades ago poses another challenge.
The BM-21 Grad system, designed in the 1960s, is a widespread system, used globally, and remains dangerous despite its age. Each launcher can fire 40 rockets in 20 seconds, with a range of 21 km (13 miles) for standard rockets, or up to 40 km (25 miles) for newer designs.
Although loading these systems takes considerable time compared to more modern Western counterparts, their firepower is immense, with each rocket containing a 19-kilogram (42-pound) warhead. Additionally, the system can fire cluster munitions or even land mines, adding versatility to its already destructive capabilities.
