The BM-21 Grad is a ubiquitous multiple rocket launcher, which entered service in 1963, but technically could trace its roots all the way to the Second World War. It is a self-propelled 122mm system, made in many different versions and serving all over the world. Obviously, being a popular Soviet weapon, the Grad is used in Ukraine as well. And Ukraine has a good supply of ammunition for it.
BM-21 Grad in Ukrainian service. Image credit: Armyinform.com.ua via Wikimedia (CC BY 4.0)
A photo of the Ukrainian BM-21 Grad appeared online and it piqued people’s interest. The picture itself would not be that interesting if it were not for the rockets being loaded into the Grad. That particular system was being fed modern G-2000 rockets and that is a bit strange, because the country of origin of these rockets is Serbia and it maintains very strong relations with Russia.
Serbia is a very good friend of Russia, but as they say, money has no odour – Serbia allows its arms industry to sell weapons and ammunition to Ukraine. Of course, they don’t brag about it out loud, but it is not the first time that Serbian weapons appear in the hands of the defenders of Ukraine.
Previously, Serbian mortar projectiles were spotted in Ukraine, but they could be old, maybe even dating back to Yugoslavia. Meanwhile, the G-2000 rockets are not that old. They still go to arms exhibitions from time to time looking for potential buyers. It is a relatively modern weapon. This means that the Serbian manufacturer EDePro could be selling them directly or indirectly to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
#Russia / #Ukraine 🇷🇺🇺🇦: A new photo posted by combatants of #Ukrainian Forces with 122mm Grad rockets.
The combatant can be seen with a quite rare G-2000 rocket which was originally produced by #Serbia 🇷🇸.#RussiaUkraineWar pic.twitter.com/sKgQQ8pTiw
— War Noir (@war_noir) February 23, 2024
Typically, the most common Grad 122 mm rockets have a range of up to 20 km. Longer range rockets are available, but rare. Several countries, including Serbia and Poland, are developing longer-range Grad rockets. The Serbian G-2000 has the usual dimensions to be launched from conventional Grad devices, has a warhead weighing 18-19 kg (total weight – 69 kg) and a range of 40.5 km. In addition, Serbian rockets do not scatter as much as the old Soviet ones – a salvo of 40 rockets cover the intended area with denser impact craters.
An interesting feature of the G-2000 rockets is the ability to use cluster warheads that scatter land mines. This makes it possible to mine logistics routes behind enemy lines.
Ukraine is using a huge variety of weapons. Some are bought, some are donated, some are used in complete silence with the supplier unknown to the public.
Written by Povilas M.
Sources: Tech.wp.pl, Wikipedia