9A53-S Tornado-S Russian 300mm Multiple Launch Rocket System
9A53-S Tornado-S
Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)
Other
Basic Information
Name
9A53-S Tornado-S Russian 300mm Multiple Launch Rocket System
Designation
9A53-S Tornado-S
Alternate Designation
9A53-S Tornado-S
Equipment Type
Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)
Manufacturer
NPO Splav
Date of Introduction
2016
Description
The 9A53-S Tornado-S Russian 300mm Multiple Launch Rocket System represents a "deep modernization" of the Smerch platform, incorporating GLONASS satellite navigation, an automated fire control system, and the capability to launch precision-guided rockets at ranges up to 120 km. The Tornado-S has been actively employed by Russian forces since the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In 2025, Rostec highlighted the Tornado-S's effectiveness against hardened targets that proved resistant to FPV drone strikes, citing an example of a Ukrainian river crossing bridge destroyed by a single 300mm guided rocket after drone attacks caused only minor damage. The system has also been used for strikes against drone coordination posts and command-and-control facilities.
Ground Specifications
Crew
3
Main Weapon
300mm Multiple Launch Rocket System
Engine
Diesel (500 hp)
Range
120.0 km
System
Alternative Designation
9A53-S Tornado-S
Type
Multiple Launch Rocket System
Caliber
300 mm
Manufacturer
NPO Splav
Chassis
MAZ-543. The Tornado-S is based on an 8x8 military truck chassis with a single-driver cab located at the front left side of the vehicle with the vehicle commander to his immediate rear. The MLRS has a crew of three. The launch vehicle's cabin is located at the rear of the driver cab which accommodates the launch preparation and firing equipment. The cabin is fitted with one single door on each side and two small windows are mounted at the front of the cabin.
Configuration
8x8
Crew
3 ea
Satatellite Navigation System
The Tornado-S is equipped with the GLONASS satellite navigation system. The vehicle can easily be identified by its satellite antenna mounted on the roof of the fire control cabin.
Displacement Time
3 min
Emplacement Time
3 min
Note
The Tornado-S is fitted with a GPS satellite navigation system enabling the launch of guided rockets. It also has an extended firing range and increased effectiveness, due to the use of new warhead payloads and a reduced launch readiness time of just three minutes. Its shooting accuracy is improved from 3 to 15 times more and a salvo of rockets can be distributed among several targets with the relocation of the launcher vehicle.
Dimensions
Length
12.7 m
Width
3.1 m
Height
3.29 m
Weight, Combat
24.65 tons
Ground Pressure
INA
Automotive
Engine Name
YaMZ-846
Engine Type
Diesel
Engine Power
500 hp
Cruising Range
850 km
Speed, Maximum Road
60 km/h
Speed, Off Road
35 km/h
Speed Maximum Swim
Not Amphibious
Gradient
45 deg
Side Slope
30 deg
Vertical Step
0.78 m
Trench
2.5 m
Fording Depth
1.1 m
Launcher
System
Name
Tornado-S 9A54 launcher vehicle
Type
300 mm
Number of Tubes
12 launcher tubes mounted at the rear of the truck chassis with the same configuration as the BM-30 Smerch consisting of two separate banks of four with a connecting roof of the remaining four tubes overlying the inner tubes of the banks.
Full Salvo
It can fire a single rocket or a salvo in less than 30 seconds.
Maximum Firing Range
120 km
Note
After being put into battery, the vehicle is ready to fire its first rocket in 3 minutes. Preparing for the Smerch battle after receiving target designation takes only three minutes.
Unguided Rockets
9M55K
A warhead with fragmentation submunitions.
9M55K1
A self-aiming submunitions.
9M55K4
A warhead for anti-tank mining.
9M55K5
A warheads with cumulative fragmentation warheads.
9M55S
A thermobaric warhead.
9M528
A high-explosive fragmentation warhead.
9M529
Used against personnel both exposed and sheltered in the open-type fortifications.
9M531
Used to engage personnel in both exposed and sheltered and lightly armored vehicles.
9M533
Used for a top attack of the groupings of armored materiel and tanks.
Guided Rockets
9M544
A high-explosive (HE), fragmentation, fin-stabilized, solid propellant, guided artillery rocket, fitted with a self-contained powered-flight phase control system which provides an increase in fire precision by a factor of two and inaccuracy by a factor of three as compared to unguided rockets.
9M549
A guided rocket with HE-FRAG (High Explosive Fragmentation) submunitions.
Fire Control System (FCS)
Note
Onboard equipment also includes automated launch preparation equipment that has allowed for the autonomous execution of fire missions. This allows for a sharp reduction in fire preparation time from unprepared positions. This equipment provides for the topographical surveying and navigation of the launch vehicle, computation in the launch vehicle of fire settings and flight mission data on the basis of target and meteorological data provided by the Automated Fire-Control System, ramp laying on the target by the crew staying in the cab and using no aiming points, visual monitoring of rocket ramp laying, presentation on the display of the launch vehicle location, pre-launch testing on rocket projectile equipment, flight mission data input in rocket projectile onboard equipment and finally rocket launch with takeoff checks.
Protection
Hull Armor
The vehicle provides protection for the crew against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. This vehicle lacks any defensive armament.
NBC Protection
The fully enclosed cab is provided with an NBC system and two entry doors on the left side that open to the front.
Smoke Equipment
INA
Details
Country of Origin
Russia
Category
Rocket Artillery Systems
Land > Artillery > Rocket Artillery Systems
Filter Label
9
Classification
Domain
Ground
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
12.7 m
Width
3.1 m
Height
3.29 m
Weight
24650 kg
Operators (1)
Russia
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