Mass Deliveries of Russia's Tornado-S Launcher to Begin in 2017

Sputnik News

15:24 16.09.2016(updated 15:47 16.09.2016)

Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said that serial production of Russia's Tornado-S long-range multiple rocket launcher system is scheduled for 2017.

TULA (Sputnik) – Mass deliveries of Russia's Tornado-S long-range multiple rocket launcher system to the Armed Forces will begin next year, Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said Friday.

"State trials of the Tornado-S system, which will replace the [BM-30] Smerch multiple rocket launcher, finish this year. Its serial production is scheduled for 2017," Borisov told reporters.

The advanced heavy launcher will have an extended maximum firing range and will be armed with high-precision rockets, he said.

The improved Tornado-S is being upgraded with the special GLONASS satellite navigation system used in the Smerch missile system and will have guided rocket rounds enabling it to fire out to 72 miles (120 km), the ministry's artillery spokesman said in 2012.

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