Russia's Dual-Caliber MLRS, Vozrozhdenie, Ready for Test in Ukraine

Russia's Dual-Caliber MLRS, Vozrozhdenie, Ready for Test in Ukraine Russia is set to test an all-new artillery weapon in Ukraine- the dual caliber Vozrozhdenie multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) having 122mm and 220mm rocket canisters.

Recently, images of the Vozrozhdenie MLRS surfaced during Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu's visit to the Tula NPO "Splav" factory, where he assessed the progress of the state defense order. The Tula factory is responsible for manufacturing the new MLRS.

The photographs revealed multiple Vozrozhdenie systems in various stages of assembly, indicating limited series production. Following the recent trend, all new weapons undergo testing in Ukraine, making it likely for the Vozrozhdenie MLRS to be deployed there.

The Kremlin reportedly has plans to deploy prototypes in Ukraine by mid-2024. Sergey Chemezov, Rostech's General Manager, announced the commencement of mass production in the first half of 2024. He highlighted the system's versatility in launching flamethrower missiles and conducting remote mining operations, as claimed by certain reports.

Key technical advantages of this system include a bicaliber configuration with two cassette modules, capable of launching up to 25 122-mm rockets with a range of up to 15 km. The system is equipped with POM-2/3 anti-personnel mines and PTM-4 anti-tank mines. It also features nine guides for 220-mm unguided RS from the 9K57 Uragan MLRS ammunition, with a range of up to 35 km, including high-explosive fragmentation 9M27F, cassette 9M27K, and thermobaric 9M51.

Additionally, the system boasts modular-batch (“truss”) recharging lasting about 3-5 minutes, and the presence of a promising set of fire control automation equipment (KSAUO) of the "Kapustnik-B" type, reducing the time to bring it into a combat position by about 35-45 seconds and a similar folding time.

The Vozrozhdenie system utilizes 220mm missiles compatible with various Russian systems, including the BM-27 Uragan and the TOS series, such as TOS-1 Buratino, TOS-1A Solntsepek, and TOS-2 Tosochka. These systems are designed for various warfare purposes, including thermobaric attacks.

The Vozrozhdenie can be used in high-explosive attacks with fuel-air explosive warheads, causing damage to enemy fortifications.

While leaked photos do not provide complete details about the MLRS's chassis, some sources suggest it might be mounted on the robust Russian KamAZ-6560 chassis, known for its heavy-duty performance and ability to operate in challenging conditions. This truck is designed for arduous operations, featuring a KamAZ-740.60-360 turbocharged diesel engine, delivering up to 360 horsepower.