Russia's Tornado-S multiple launch rocket system (Photo: Eurasian Times).
Bekhan Ozdoyev, industrial director for conventional weapons, ammunition and special chemicals at the Russian state technology corporation Rostec, revealed that, due to the upgraded firing range, the Tornado-S artillery system can be used to destroy targets when the deployment of Iskander missiles is "redundant".
He stressed that the Tornado-S multiple launch rocket system can target both large areas and individual targets using high-precision ammunition.
“We will continue to develop these systems,” he said, adding that the Tornado-S is now more comparable to a tactical missile system thanks to its improved range of 90 to 120km.
"These weapons can be used to destroy targets where the use of Iskander would be unnecessary. The accuracy of the Tornado-S is very high and the destructive power of the warhead is enough to hit almost anywhere, including heavily defended facilities," Ozdoyev said.
The statement was made amid reports that Russia is using the tactic of firing Iskander missiles at the same Ukrainian target during a special military operation.
The goal of this tactic is to increase the damage to the enemy, causing surprise so that Kiev cannot predict that Russia will fire another missile after the first shot. It also shows that Russia seems to have accelerated the production of Iskander tactical missiles despite Western sanctions.
If the Tornado-S can replace the Iskander in some missions, Russia will be able to use tactical missiles more selectively on high-value targets.
The Tornado-S "fire tornado" is considered an equal rival to the HIMARS that the US provided to Ukraine.
Tornado-S has a greater range than HIMARS (120km vs 80km) and is also capable of guiding each rocket launched. Similar to HIMARS, Tornado-S is used to attack targets in enemy controlled areas and long-range firepower.
The HIMARS can fire six 227mm GPS-guided rockets at a maximum distance of 80km with an accuracy of 5-10m. Meanwhile, the Tornado-S can fire twelve 300mm GLONASS-guided rockets at a maximum distance of 120km with the same accuracy.
Tornado-S uses a completely new guidance and fire control system (ASUNO) with a number of major improvements. It has improved target designation, data exchange capabilities and faster and more accurate estimates of aiming angles and other attributes.
Last year, Russian defense sources said the country was ramping up production of the Tornado-S complex to meet military needs.
In addition, Mr. Ozdoyev said, Russia is planning to improve multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) such as Tornado-S and Smerch by turning them into combat robot versions.
"In the future, Smerch and Tornado-S can be developed into new-generation MLRS, including robotic versions, based on the experience gained from the hostilities in Ukraine," he said.
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