Russia’s Tochka-U ballistic missile returns to service amid the Ukraine war
The Tochka-U tactical ballistic missiles (NATO reporting name SS-21 Scarab-B) of Russian military forces are back in service, according to open-source intelligence analysts who have come under scrutiny social media photos and videos.
The Belarus-based analyst released video on Wednesday that allegedly shows a column of Russian military vehicles marked “V”, moving from Rechitsa to Gomel along the M10 highway.
“There are at least 8 Tochka-Us, some BTR-82a, about 9 KamAZ trucks, some carrying Tochka-U missiles, communication vehicles and cranes,” MotolkoHelp said in a Twitter post.
– ADVERTISING – READ MORE BELOW –
The Russian armed forces are said to be using the Tochka-U to attack targets in Ukraine.
7:50
A column of Russian equipment marked “V” is moving from Rechitsa towards Gomel along the M10 motorway.
There are at least 8 Tochka-Us, several BTR-82a, about 9 KamAZ trucks, some carrying Tochka-U missiles, communication vehicles and a crane. pic.twitter.com/UFF0cmrgv5– MotolkoHelp (@MotolkoHelp) March 30, 2022
The Thocka-U is a mobile missile launcher designed to be deployed in conjunction with other ground combat units on the battlefield. The missile itself can be used to accurately strike enemy tactical targets, such as control posts, bridges, depots, troop concentrations and airfields. Fragmentation warheads can be replaced by nuclear, biological or chemical warheads. The solid propellant makes the rocket easy to maintain and deploy.
The rocket launcher and TEL vehicle are based on the unique BAZ-5921 6×6 amphibious vehicle chassis.
On March 16, Russian officials confirmed in a letter to the Security Council and the United Nations General Assembly that Tochka-U tactical missiles were not used in the Russian Armed Forces.
“…It should be noted that the Tochka-U tactical missile is not used in the Russian Armed Forces,” the letter read.
The Tochka-U short-range ballistic missile system was officially withdrawn from service with the Russian Army in 2019 (in fact, in 2021), but apparently, military needs forced it to be put into operation. return.