Ukrainian troops from Lasar's Group detected and destroyed a russian BM-30 Smerch multiple launch rocket system at a range of nearly 50 km. This is significant because the system is likely a modernized Tornado-S, and if verified, it would be the first time such a system has been destroyed.
The corresponding video was posted on social media by the Defense Forces of Southern Ukraine. The enemy long-range system had been shelling the civilian population of Kherson, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhzhia regions for a long time.
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Lasar's Group aerial reconnaissance detected the launcher while it was operating in a field and then moving to cover among trees. A kamikaze drone first hit the system, followed by a bomber strike that caused a massive explosion, completely destroying it. All this took place approximately 33 km from the frontline.
The reason it is believed to be a Tornado-S is that many targets in the region, including the one shown in a video from Peresadivka, Mykolaiv Oblast, were located 70–80 km from the front line. Only modernized munitions of this system can reach such distances. However, a single launcher is not enough to determine the type, as it closely resembles a Smerch externally.
Even if it is a conventional BM-30, this would be the third confirmed destruction of this MLRS since the start of the full-scale russian-Ukrainian war. The first was recorded in the fall of 2022, and the next in the fall of 2023. There may have been another recorded destruction of a launcher, with a photo circulating in spring 2023, though this remains unconfirmed.
The Smerch has a range of up to about 70 km, while the Tornado‑S can reach up to 120 km, so detecting and destroying these systems is difficult. The situation is further complicated by the tactics employed, where the launcher sets up, fires, and immediately withdraws.
The successful destruction of the MLRS demonstrates the progress the Armed Forces of Ukraine have made in identifying and neutralizing key enemy assets. It should be noted that one of the drones most likely acted as a repeater during the operation, which helped to increase the range.
On the other hand, the success of the operation is not surprising, as it was carried out by Lasar's Group fighters, who have repeatedly carried out amazing operations. A recent example is when their drone took a "ride" on a Buk‑M2 and delivered precise strike on russian system.
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