Ukraine’s arsenal expands as forces begin deploying custom-built mini-rocket launchers

UKRAINE has an arsenal of high-tech Western arms to fight Russian forces, but is also deploying custom-built mini-rocket launchers that use parts taken from a Soviet-era system. The “mini-Grad“ uses pipes from Soviet-designed BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers developed in the 1960s, and can be mounted on pickup trucks, providing additional mobility for the counteroffensive Kyiv began in early June. Gall, a member of Ukraine’s 108th Separate Territorial Defence Brigade, said the mini-Grads were not as accurate as the advanced HIMARS rocket systems Kyiv has received from the United States but made it possible to get closer to enemy lines. The 108th brigade of territorial defence shared footage with Reuters said to show impacts of Grad rockets it fired on Russian military positions in Zaporizhzhia region. Reuters was able to verify the location of the footage which was filmed in Bahate, approximately 20km (12 miles) southwest of Robotyne. Field shapes, buildings and tree lines matched satellite imagery. Reuters could not independently verify when the footage was filmed. Ukrainian military analyst Oleksandr Musiyenko said there were three advantages in using mini-Grads -- their mobility enables them to move fast, units that have them can fire on a target without waiting to summon artillery from elsewhere, and they offer extra firepower for lightly armed infantry units. He said the development of such weaponry was designed to “give an advantage to units which typically do not have this type of weapon.“ The Sun newspaper brings you the latest breaking news videos and explainers from the UK and around the world Become a Sun Subscriber and hit the bell to be the first to know Read The Sun: Like The Sun on Facebook: Follow The Sun on Twitter: Subscribe to The Sun on Snapchat: #russia #ukraine #war