Previously unknown guided rockets have appeared in the ammunition load of the Tornado-S multiple launch rocket system (MLRS). Military expert Evgeny Damantsev came to this conclusion while studying new footage demonstrating the combat system in operation.
He noted that the rockets can be identified by the characteristic aerodynamic layout of the fairing. Presumably, these are munitions with the indices 9M557 and 9M558. Damantsev did not rule out that the footage also revealed fundamentally new rockets with a gliding warhead stage.
It is quite possible that these are guided rockets with a gliding warhead stage, whose range may reach 180-220 km. Complete photos showing all compartments of the new guided rockets have not yet appeared anywhere.
Damantsev also stated that the development of these munitions is changing the very concept of the Tornado-S system's employment.
Specialists from NPO Splav continue to turn the promising long-range Tornado-S MLRS into a full-fledged operational-tactical missile system as well, whose new rockets will be able to overcome missile defense barriers more effectively.
The high effectiveness of Tornado-S had previously been confirmed by Rostec head Sergey Chemezov. According to him, even advanced foreign air defense systems are incapable of intercepting the system's guided rockets. Guidance algorithms do not allow the rocket munitions to deviate from the target by more than 1.5 m.