Footage circulating on social media shows a makeshift multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) developed by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The launcher, mounted on an MT-LB chassis, fires rocket-propelled depth charges, strongly indicating that its launch tubes were repurposed from a Soviet-era RBU naval anti-submarine rocket launcher.
The relevant video and imagery were shared by the NMFTE community. Based on the published materials, several observations can be made.
Read more: The Grad 2.0 MLRS: How Ukraine's National Guard Gave the BM-21 System a High-Tech Makeover
The system, which features ten launch tubes, has reportedly been in use for over six months. Footage from the winter months shows it firing at russian positions. However, the number of such launchers currently in operational service remains unknown.
The rectangular launch module is equipped with additional plating and metal grilles to shield it from attacks, particularly from loitering munitions and drones. Visual comparisons suggest that RBU-6000 launch tubes were integrated into the rectangular frame using a field-expedient method.
Several questions remain unanswered, especially regarding the availability of ammunition, the system's accuracy, and its reload time. It is worth noting that the RBU-6000 uses 213 mm caliber depth charges, which are incompatible with standard MLRS platforms.
Visually, the system bears some resemblance to the naval A-22 140 mm MLRS used aboard Zubr-class hovercraft. russian occupying forces have also mounted A-22 launchers on MT-LB chassis, creating what has been dubbed an "ersatz-Solntsepyok." However, the Ukrainian variant differs in both the number of launch tubes and the type of ammunition used.
The presence of such improvised systems in Ukrainian service underscores the ongoing shortage of conventional artillery systems and munitions. It also highlights the urgent need to ramp up production of lightweight rocket systems, sometimes referred to as "rocket mortars," such as Croatia’s 128 mm RAK series.
Read more: Ukrainian Military Showcases Improvised MLRS Resembling BM-21B Grad
