Ukrainian HIMARS strikes shatter Russian logistics in Belgorod

Ukrainians are conducting intense shelling of Russian targets in the Belgorod region using M142 HIMARS multiple rocket launchers. Let's recall the performance of this system.

A photo appeared online showing dozens of used packs from GMLRS missiles (each holding six) used in M142 HIMARS or M270 MLRS systems. These empty packs, presumably located in a now-unused reloading location, are said to be the result of the recent work by Ukrainian launchers north of Kharkiv.

These launchers allow for targeting logistics supplying Russian forces located, among others, in the region of Vovchansk or the village of Starytsya, where there was a recent large assault.

Both systems use GMLRS missiles, which are available in several versions and have a range of up to about 80 kilometres (50 miles). According to Russian sources, Ukrainians are attacking targets with two salvos. The first includes missiles with a classic high-explosive fragmentation warhead, known as "unitary," and the second with cluster warhead variants.

This method aims to maximize losses because after what seems like a concluded attack, more soldiers usually appear on the scene to minimize damage. Then, cluster warhead missiles fall on the area.

This indicates using a tandem of M31A1/A2 and M30 rockets. The first contains a 90-kilogram (200-pound) warhead with 23 kilograms (51 pounds) of TNT, which can cause significant damage at the target site. For example, they can damage a building and the ammunition crates inside. Then, M30 rockets fall on these exposed targets.

These, in turn, contain 404 M85 DPICM (Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munition) bomblets. This allows for hitting a large area with M85 bomblets weighing about 0.3 kilograms (0.7 pounds) each, which can penetrate armour up to 10-12 centimetres (4-5 inches) thick and have a fragmentation radius of several metres.

The fall of such bomblets in an area with, for instance, exposed but undetonated artillery shells is disastrous. It's worth noting that Americans produced M30 missiles only for a few years as the less controversial M30A1 replaced them with Alternative Warhead missiles. This happened because cluster munitions have a high dud rate, posing post-war problems.

All GMLRS family rockets are equipped with widely popular guidance systems based on inertial and satellite navigation. Though these systems are simple and effective for achieving accuracy within a few metres, they have flaws.

Suppose the opponent can jam the GPS signal, as the Russians can. In that case, the accuracy decreases and worsens with distance because inertial navigation always has an error margin accumulating over time and distance.

The problem is not as severe for a few tens of miles, as the warhead of GMLRS missiles is powerful enough even if it misses by a few metres. However, it becomes an issue for GLSDB missiles with twice the range and identical destructive power.