Romanian rocket power: Ukraine's hidden artillery boost
A video has surfaced on social media showing Ukrainian soldiers using a multiple rocket launcher system. Although it resembles the BM-21 Grad, it is actually the APR-40. Romania most likely supplied this weapon, although such a transfer, much less the number of launchers delivered, has not been officially announced.
The Defence Express portal notes that Romania generally does not disclose the contents of military aid packages provided to Ukraine. Regarding the APR-40, the situation is particularly mysterious because, even based on The Military Balance reports, it's not possible to determine how many of these launchers are still in the Romanian armed forces and how many have been transferred to Ukraine.
APR-40 in Ukraine. It's the "Romanian Grad"
The APR-40 multiple rocket launcher is a licensed Romanian copy of the BM-21 Grad system produced in the USSR. Overall, the performance of these two weapons is similar, although Romanian engineers have implemented some modifications. Thanks to some of these, the APR-40 has advantages in certain aspects.
This includes the use of the Romanian DAC-665 truck with a 6×6 drive, originally designed for civilian use, but ultimately providing the APR-40 with noticeably better mobility than the Soviet Ural truck, on which the BM-21 Grad was based. Another difference between the APR-40 and BM-21 Grad is the placement of the aiming devices.
Romanian artillery in Ukraine
The APR-40 features 40 tube guides (10 in each of the 4 rows). Just like its Soviet predecessor, it can fire in single-shot mode as well as in salvo, which takes 30 seconds for all rounds to be fired.
Ukrainian soldiers using the APR-40 assess that, despite its age, the equipment provided by Romania performs well in its intended tasks, such as engaging ground targets, including enemy artillery fire positions and field fortifications.
The maximum range of the missiles used in the APR-40 (calibre 122 mm) is a little over 20 kilometres. Fire control can be conducted from inside the vehicle, but also remotely using a controller.
