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Land ForcesRussia

9A53-S Tornado-S

300 mm multiple launch rocket systemIn serviceFielded 2016Pending verification
Land ForcesRUS
9A53-S Tornado-S
Photo: Nickel nitride · CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
Type300 mm multiple launch rocket system
Date of introduction2016
ProliferationOrigin country only
ManufacturerNPO SplavMed[1]
Configuration8x8Med[1]
Crew3Med[1]
Displacement time3 minMed[1]
Emplacement time3 minMed[1]
Dimensions and weight
Length12.7 m42 ftMed[1]
Width3.1 m10 ftMed[1]
Height3.29 m11 ftMed[1]
Combat weight24.65 tMed[1]
Automotive performance
ChassisMAZ-543Med[1]
EngineYaMZ-846Med[1]
Engine power500 hpMed[1]
Cruising range850 km528 mi · 459 nmiMed[1]
Max road speed60 km/h37 mph · 32 ktMed[1]
Cross-country speed35 km/h22 mph · 19 ktMed[1]
Fording depth1.1 mMed[1]
Protection
Hull ArmorThe vehicle provides protection for the crew against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. This vehicle lacks any defensive armament.Med[1]
NBC ProtectionThe fully enclosed cab is provided with an NBC system and two entry doors on the left side that open to the front.Med[1]
Armament
Launch tubes12 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.Med[1]
Main armamentTornado-S 9A54 launcher vehicleMed[1]
Maximum firing range120 km75 mi · 65 nmiMed[1]
Fire control
Fire control systemOnboard 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 provMed[1]
Weapons and payload options · 11Confidence · Source
9M55KUnguided rocket
Med[1]
Description
A warhead with fragmentation submunitions.
9M55K1Unguided rocket
Med[1]
Description
A self-aiming submunitions.
9M55K4Unguided rocket
Med[1]
Description
A warhead for anti-tank mining.
9M55K5Unguided rocket
Med[1]
Description
A warheads with cumulative fragmentation warheads.
9M55SUnguided rocket
Med[1]
Description
A thermobaric warhead.
9M528Unguided rocket
Med[1]
Description
A high-explosive fragmentation warhead.
9M529Unguided rocket
Med[1]
Description
Used against personnel both exposed and sheltered in the open-type fortifications.
9M531Unguided rocket
Med[1]
Description
Used to engage personnel in both exposed and sheltered and lightly armored vehicles.
9M533Unguided rocket
Med[1]
Description
Used for a top attack of the groupings of armored materiel and tanks.
9M544Guided rocket
Med[1]
Description
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 pre
9M549Guided rocket
Med[1]
Description
A guided rocket with HE-FRAG (High Explosive Fragmentation) submunitions.
Summary

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.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
Russia
Sources
  1. 9A53-S Tornado-S Russian 300mm Multiple Launch Rocket System, U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-04 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
  • 2026-10-05 Added photo (CC0)