Ukrainian soldiers and engineers are also introducing improvised weapons systems to fight the Russian aggressor. These include both civilian drones converted into strike drones and multi-propelled rocket launchers. One such system using parts from the destroyed Russian BM-21 Grad system is a lightweight nine-guide missile launcher bearing the name “Witcher”.
The ingenuity of the Ukrainian military and engineers during the ongoing war is well known. On many occasions, Ukrainians have converted reconnaissance drones to carry out combat missions. One such example is a quadrocopter adapted to carry several RKG-3 anti-tank grenades.
#Ukraine: You may remember the “drone carpet bombing” video from a few days ago. This is how it’s done by the Ukrainian Army and associated volunteer units- a large drone adapted to carry a quantity of modified RKG-3 pattern grenades.https://t.co/fY2D6sDPmM pic.twitter.com/qCulLvHghK
— Ukraine Weapons Tracker (@UAWeapons) August 7, 2022
More recently, meanwhile, footage has emerged showing a lightweight multi-propelled rocket launcher being transported by a pick-up truck. Ukrainian engineers and mechanics created this military hardware parts from a damaged BM-21 Grad system. The light nine-tube rocket launcher is referred to by the Ukrainian military as the “Witcher”.
#Ukraine: More Syrian-style developments- Ukrainian Right Sector forces developed an improvised MRLS from a pickup truck and 9 launch tubes from damaged Russian BM-21 “Grad” MRLS. It is named “Witcher” and is already in use in the East. pic.twitter.com/Bt9fFpCkOm
— Ukraine Weapons Tracker (@UAWeapons) August 8, 2022
Video footage of improvised multi-slide rocket launchers using 80mm S-8 calibre air-to-air missiles has also appeared on social media. These armaments were mounted on pick-up trucks. According to experts, these mobile 12-guide rocket launchers, despite not having the performance of BM-21 Grad calibre 122mm systems. These improvised systems can successfully be used to strike targets at close range.
#Ukraine: Light MRL used by UA mobile units are apparently getting more popular- here are two examples, firing 80mm S-8 rockets meant for aircraft.
They apparently have 12+ launch tubes, and whilst not as effective as even 122mm “Grad” rockets, can still be of short range use. pic.twitter.com/Angt2FDv4L
— Ukraine Weapons Tracker (@UAWeapons) August 7, 2022