Fatal missile strike on Russian retail hub: the Ukrainian RM‑70 system exposed
The Ukrainians frequently bombard Russian military targets in Belgorod and surrounding areas. This region, which borders Ukraine, is a repair base for damaged Russian hardware, with numerous military installations in the city itself, such as the 357th Air Force Training Centre.
It is no surprise, then, that the Ukrainians aim their attacks on these targets. In the attack on 14th February, 2024, it is possible that the fired missiles may have strayed off course or, as reported by Russian sources, may have been intercepted. It's important to note that a direct missile hit may not necessarily trigger the warhead's detonation immediately, which could have exploded only after falling onto the Magnit shopping centre. The attack is supposed to have used RM-70 multi-launch rocket systems, originating from either the Czech Republic or Slovakia.
RM-70 – the Czech adaptation of the Russian BM-21 Grad
The RM-70 systems were introduced into the Czechoslovak armament in 1972. Commensurate with the local philosophy, it was not merely a simple adaptation of the Soviet BM-21 Grad launcher but a unique design utilizing the same 122 mm caliber rockets.
Czechoslovak engineers then chose to use the local Tarta chassis, which held the launch pad and accommodated a secondary firing unit. This provision enhanced operational autonomy, allowing two successive rounds without the need for the intervention of an ammunition vehicle or a trip to the ammunition depot.
The original RM-70 used 122mm-calibre rockets with a range of up to 21 kilometres, all housed within a 40-rail launcher that could discharge the entire complement in merely 20 seconds. Standard rockets came with a 19kg shrapnel-destructive warhead with a 30 metre blast radius, though there were versions carrying cassette warheads loaded with anti-tank bomblets or anti-infantry mines.
Given the 35 kilometer distance from Belgorod to the border with Ukraine, it appears that rockets with a range of around 40 kilometers were used. Such missiles are produced by several countries, including Poland, which manufactures the M‑21 "FENIKS" rockets, fragments of which have previously been discovered in Russia.
These are rudimentary unguided rockets featuring a newer rocket engine. The redesign, along with a different rocket fuel compound, has effectively enabled the range to be doubled despite keeping the same dimensions.
