Czech volunteers raise funds for the RM-70 MLRS for Ukraine

15 May, 2023 RM-70 MLRS at the STV Group plant in Policka, Czech Republic, March 2023 Czech volunteers have raised money for the purchase of the RM-70 multiple rocket launchers for Ukraine. Additionally, 365 122-mm missiles to the MLRS will be supplied as well.

The funds were raised as part of the "Gift for Putin" charity project. The organizers of the charity project managed to raise £2,300,000. According to them, in just two and a half months, 19,165 individuals and companies contributed.

Czech volunteers raised funds for the RM-70 MLRS for Ukraine

The RM-70 MLRS is expected to be handed over to the Ukrainian military within a few weeks.

It was the Czech volunteer movement that launched a fundraiser for the RM-70 multiple rocket launcher, which would be named Premysl, in February this year. The fundrasing was timed to the anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Martin Ondracek, co-author of the project, justified the choice of the type of weapon by the simplicity of its use by the Ukrainian army and its availability.

The MLRS has already been overhauled at the STV Group plant. "This is a completely comprehensive overhaul, including the engine, chassis, launcher and fire control system, so that the MLRS meets all possible requirements for combat use," Ivo Strejcek, Director Of Business Development said. RM-70 (raketomet vzor 1970) is a multiple rocket launcher (MSR) being produced since the 1970s in the Czechoslovak Republic and then in the Czech Republic.

RM-70 MLRS at the STV Group plant in Policka, Czech Republic, March 2023

The rocket launechr of the MLRS is a replica of the Soviet B?-21 Grad.

The MLRS is equipped with a 40-round launcher.

The system uses the unguided missiles (9M22 and 9M28 - ed.) of Soviet origin and similar ammunition of foreign production.

RM-70 MLRS at the STV Group plant in Policka, Czech Republic, March 2023

Tatra T813 "Kolos" (8x8) is used as the chassis.

The original hydraulic device to reload the launcher is located in the middle part of the vehicle.