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​Ukrainian Forces Chase and Eliminate russian Grad Rocket System

russian BM-21 Grad launcher / Photo credit: The Nemesis 412th Regiment
russian BM-21 Grad launcher / Photo credit: The Nemesis 412th Regiment

Fighters of the 412th Regiment tracked and destroyed russian BM-21 Grad launcher after a 30-minute chase

Fighters of the Nemesis 412th Regiment carried out a high-intensity pursuit of russian BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket system on the Zaporizhzhia front, successfully destroying the target after a dramatic chase that lasted just over 30 minutes. The operation, conducted in coordination with aerial reconnaissance units of Ukrainian forces, ended with russian vehicle unable to escape.

According to a fighter from the 412th Regiment with the callsign Artist, the engagement began immediately after russian Grad launched a salvo. Ukrainian reconnaissance teams detected its movement, triggering a coordinated pursuit involving both air and ground elements. The chase demonstrated the growing efficiency of Ukrainian integrated battlefield intelligence and precision strike capabilities.

Read more: ​Ukraine's Special Forces Struck One of russia’s Newest Buyan-M Missile Ships While It Was Sailing From the Baltic to the Caspian Sea

Hunting down the Grad launcher is no simple task. With an effective firing range of 15 to 20 kilometers, the BM-21 system can operate from significant distances, striking targets and then retreating quickly to avoid counterfire. Russian crews often hide their launchers deep in rear areas or within large settlements that have paved roads, enabling fast access to firing positions and rapid withdrawal afterward.

These tactics are designed to minimize exposure, russian units typically spend only five to seven minutes in position before retreating at high speed. However, in this case, Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance detected the launcher in time, tracking its movements after the launch and directing strike assets toward its route of escape.

"The Grad system is a difficult target. They usually operate from far behind the lines, moving fast between concealed positions. But this time, our aerial reconnaissance caught their movement early, and our bomber turned out to be faster than the enemy," Artist said.

The success of the operation underscores the importance of close coordination between reconnaissance drones and strike units. By combining real-time intelligence with precision response, Ukrainian forces have repeatedly disrupted russian artillery operations that rely on hit-and-run tactics.

As Defense Express previously reported, Ukrainian special operations forces continue to refine their rapid deployment capabilities as fighters of the 8th Separate Regiment of the Special Operations Forces conducted training in heliborne infiltration without parachutes. The exercise focused on practicing fast and covert insertion of small groups into combat zones, a vital skill for special units operating near or behind enemy lines.

Fighters of the 8th Separate Regiment practiced rapid and covert deployment from helicopters, improving their battlefield agility and stealth Defense Express Ukrainian Forces Chase and Eliminate russian Grad Rocket System
Fighters of the 8th Separate Regiment practiced rapid and covert deployment from helicopters, improving their battlefield agility and stealth / screenshot from video
Read more: ​Ukraine's Special Forces Show Fast Helicopter Deployment Without Parachutes (Video)