The Russian Ground Forces 41st Combined Arms Army has said that it received 18 upgraded multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) “Grad”. A batch of eighteen units will add to the fleet of the artillery unit. At the moment, the crews are carrying out maintenance of components and assemblies and commissioning. A special feature of the upgraded version of the 122-mm MLRS “Grad” is the increased firing efficiency, more powerful ammunition, and the presence of automated guidance, aiming, and navigation systems. The combat vehicle is equipped with modern means of communication that allow for uninterrupted and secure radio exchange with the combat control vehicle. The combat part is installed on the base of the “Ural” 4320 vehicle.
This upgrade was presented for the first time in 2003 and was developed by Motovilikha Plants from Perm. The system is fitted with a satellite navigation system NAP SNS, automated fire control system ASUNO, APP laying system and can fire a new generation of rockets with a range of 40 km (25 mi). The BM-21 “Grad” (Hail) is a Soviet truck-mounted 122 mm multiple rocket launcher. The weapons system and the M-21OF rocket which it fires evolved in the early 1960s and saw their first combat use in March 1969 during the Sino-Soviet border conflict. BM stands for boyevaya mashina , and the nickname grad means “hail”. The complete system with the BM-21 launch vehicle and the M-21OF rocket is designated as the M-21 field-rocket system. The complete system is more commonly known as a Grad multiple rocket launcher system.
The 41st Combined Arms Army is a field army of the Russian Ground Forces, currently part of the Central Military District. Originally, it was formed in 1942 as part of the Soviet Red Army, during World War II. It was reformed in 1998, when the Transbaikal Military District and Siberian Military District were amalgamated. The 41st Army was reformed on 1 December 1998 from the former headquarters of the Siberian Military District at Novosibirsk, part of the Siberian Military District. In 2002, the 122nd Guards Motor Rifle Division was relocated to Aleysk and became part of the army. During the Russian military reform in 2009, the division was converted into the 35th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade. On 1 September 2010, the army was transferred to the Central Military District after the Siberian Military District was disbanded.
