AFU destroys the Russian Smerch MLRS

15 September, 2023 BM-30 Smerch MRL. Illustrative photo The armed forces have destroyed the Russian BM-30 Smerch long-range multiple launch rocket system.

The photo was published by the Ukrainian military on social media. This missile system is quite rare and difficult to intercept due to the peculiarities of use, which involve firing at a large distance from the line of contact. In the published photo, you can see a burning MRL through the lens of the Ukrainian-made Shark reconnaissance drone.

Destroyed Russian BM-30 Smerch MLRS, September 15, 2023.

Photo credits: Twitter/@externalPilot

It is yet unknown by what weapon such a rare target was hit. However, several places from the ruptures can be seen next to it. Given the methods of operation of the Ukrainian counter-battery units, it can be assumed that these are traces of hits by GMLRS guided missiles of HIMARS/M270 MRL.

During the entire war against Russia, only one defeat of such an artillery system was confirmed among the invaders. The first Smerch was hit in the Kharkiv region in October last year.