The state defense Company Ukroboronprom has developed an upgraded version of the BM-21 122mm MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System called BM-21UM Berest. The new BM-21UM could replace the Soviet-made BM-21 Grad used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. According to official information, Ukrainian Ground Forces still operate about 300 BM-21 systems.
New BM-21UM Berest MLRS at Arms and Security 2018, Kiev (Picture source: UkrOboronProm)
The BM-21UM is based on KrAZ-5401NE 4x4 military truck chassis manufactured at the KrAZ plant in Ukraine. The truck is powered by a YaMZ-536 engine developing 312 hp. It is fitted with four doors crew cabins that can accommodate five military personnel.
The BM-21 is equipped with a pod of 40 launch tubes of 122 mm caliber while the BM-21UM is fitted with 50 launch tubes. The rocket tube arrangement is a single rectangular bank of five layers each with 10 tubes.
One of the main new features of the BM-21UM system is the new digital fire control system installed in the cabin, which allows the crew to manage the firing in security. The new battlefield information system integrated on the Berest gives the crew the possibility to gather and analyze in real-time a wide range of data coming from various platforms such as drones, counter-battery radars, and other surveillance systems.
The BM-21 rockets have an operational firing range of about 40 km while the new BM-21UM Berest uses the latest technology of fire control allowing a 52 km range, depending on the warhead.
