The American HIMARS system and the Russian "Tornado-S" MLRS have become some of the most discussed rocket systems of the modern era. Their comparison showed that one machine relies on accuracy and mobility, while the other focuses on a larger caliber and powerful salvo. The analysis of the characteristics of these systems was conducted by Interesting Engineering, which noted that there is no direct winner between these systems: each is designed for different tasks.
The American M142 HIMARS has become one of the most famous examples of modern rocket artillery due to its combination of high accuracy, rapid deployment, and the ability to use different types of ammunition. The system uses GMLRS family missiles and can also work with longer-range ATACMS tactical missiles.
The main advantage of HIMARS is pinpoint targeting. Guided missiles allow strikes on targets at a significant distance with high accuracy, which has made the system an important tool of modern artillery. At the same time, the launcher itself remains relatively light and quickly changes position after launch.
The Russian "Tornado-S" was created as a development of the Soviet "Smerch" system and received new guided munitions. The system uses 300 mm caliber missiles, including variants with a navigation system and trajectory correction. According to open sources, the 9M544 and 9M549 guided missiles are capable of hitting targets at a distance of about 120 km with significantly greater accuracy compared to older unguided munitions.
The main difference between the two systems lies in their approach to application. HIMARS relies on high-precision attacks on a limited number of important targets, while "Tornado-S" has larger missiles and is capable of delivering a more powerful fire strike in one salvo. The Russian system is equipped with 12 guides, while HIMARS uses six missiles in its standard configuration.
At the same time, the American system gained an advantage due to its developed ammunition ecosystem and integration with Western reconnaissance systems. HIMARS can use a wide range of missiles, including variants with different ranges and purposes.
"Tornado-S", in turn, became Russia's attempt to create an analogue of modern high-precision rocket weapons. The use of satellite navigation and new corrected missiles significantly increased accuracy compared to previous generations of MLRS.
Interesting Engineering's conclusion is that HIMARS and "Tornado-S" represent two different views on the development of rocket artillery. The American system wins due to its accuracy, mobility, and versatility of ammunition, while the Russian system relies on a larger caliber, the range of individual missiles, and the power of the salvo.