The United States still sends Kyiv its long-range multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) M142 HIMARS under the “honest Ukrainian word” not to use them for strikes on Russian territory. Is it possible to believe the promises of Zelensky and his team – such a question has not been raised for us for a long time. But in connection with the delivery of the American M142 HIMARS to Kyiv, another question arises: to what extent such MLRS can be detected and destroyed.
About this “MK” said a military analyst, editor of the publication “Arsenal of the Fatherland” Alexei Leonkov.
“We can use medium-range anti-aircraft systems, such as Buk-M2 and Buk-M3, using HIMARS missiles,” the expert explains. – “Tor-M2” can also shoot down these targets.
– But you are talking regarding the destruction of rockets. And how can you detect and destroy the HIMARS launcher directly?
– Using reconnaissance means, it can be detected when it fires. But for this, it is necessary that either the satellite sees the moment of launch, or there is a reconnaissance aircraft in the air.
– A drone is not suitable for this?
– Doesn’t fit. The complex can be seen even if there is a pair of aircraft on duty in the air. But how many of them are there to keep in the air on duty? It’s expensive, you know…
However, if this thing will shoot, then it will probably do so using natural and artificial shelters. Our Ministry of Defense has already said that one of these points is located near the city of Shostka, Sumy region. That is where they are most likely to be placed.
– In short, it turns out that the target is quite difficult to detect?
Let’s just say it’s unpleasant. However, like any MLRS.
Ukrainians have long used the tactics of the so-called “wandering” MLRS. And in the Kharkiv region, and in the Donbass. Calculating their location is quite difficult. But they calculate!
If it is assumed that the MLRS is used from some area, a drone is “hung” in the sky above it. To detect American HIMARS, we can send, for example, Orlan drones. Their range allows this. They can fly far. They will “hang”, as they say, for good luck.
And if the launcher is detected, Orlan will transmit the coordinates, determining the place from which the MLRS was launched. If at that moment we have an on-duty fire weapon equipped, for example, the same Iskander missile system, it will immediately be able to launch a missile at the coordinates. And this American MLRS will not go anywhere. After the shot, she needs to curl up, fold. In any case, this takes a few minutes. And we are already able to hit this installation within a couple of minutes.
– There is conflicting information regarding HIMARS. Still, in what equipment do the Americans supply them? Just like MLRS or still with tactical missiles?
– There is still no clarity on this issue. The installation itself is made according to the modular principle. That is, in one version – this is a semblance of our “Smerch” with guides for six missiles with a range of up to 70-80 kilometers. In another version, this is one guide with an operational-tactical missile capable of flying at a distance of up to 300 kilometers.
And what kind of warhead will be on the rocket – high-explosive or cluster – is not clear. They have developed a lot of cluster munitions to destroy manpower. This is such a kind of analogue of the Ukrainian “Point-U”, but with a longer range.
After all, we have already shot down Tochki-U over our territory. And they shot down drones that flew in our direction in the same way. True, earlier they were Ukrainian Bayraktars. Now, they say, American Gray Eagles are promised to Kyiv.
Great Britain, by the way, also dreams of supplying its MLRS multiple launch rocket system to Kyiv. The question of where all this will come up also remains open.
That is why our Foreign Ministry warns the West: you are reaching the very limit, following which there may be no return.