Ukrainian Volunteers Crowdfund MLRS on Pickup Trucks for Intelligence Forces

20 December, 2023 Sivalka VM-5 MLRSs for Ukrainian intelligence officers. December 2023. Ukraine.

Photo credits: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Ukrainian intelligence officers were armed with VM-5 Sivalka systems. The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine stated it had received two such rocket launchers.

The VM-5 Sivalka MRLs on the pickup trucks were purchased with funds raised by Ukrainian volunteers Vasyl Baidak and Vlada Sivaka. Volunteers managed to raise more than UAH 740,000: UAH 493,348 from ticket sales for a charity event and UAH 249,000 from charity auctions. The auction items include a flag signed by Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, a painting, and a souvenir from a trophy tank, which were donated by the Diana Podolianchuk Charitable Foundation.

Sivalka VM-5 MLRSs for Ukrainian intelligence officers.

December 2023. Ukraine. Photo credits: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine

"The weapons were deployed on four-wheel-drive pickup trucks; the formed VM-5 Sivalka crews are capable of inflicting fire on the enemy in mobile mode," the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine said.

Back in 2022, Ukrainian specialists created the Sivalka mobile multiple rocket launcher system for S-8KO rocket launchers. The launcher was installed on a Ford F150 Raptor SUV. S-8 rockets have a caliber of 80 mm and are designed to be launched from combat aircraft and helicopters.

However, the Ukrainian military has developed a launcher for launching from wheeled vehicles. The S-8KO unguided rocket used by the military from these systems has a high explosive warhead.

Ukrainian rocket launcher based on the Ford F150 Raptor for S-8KO rockets.

December 2022. Ukraine. Footage from social media videos

It is claimed that this rocket can penetrate armor up to 400 mm thick.

It features an engine with a reduced operating time.