First Russian Tornado-S Multiple Launch Rocket System Destroyed in Zaporizhzhia
(ZAPORIZHZHIA, UKRAINE) – Ukrainian Defence Forces have successfully neutralised a Russian Tornado-S 300mm multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) in the Zaporizhzhia region, marking the first confirmed loss of this specific hardware since the full scale invasion began. Visual evidence released on Tuesday captures the precision strike against the heavy long range artillery unit, which is often described as the Kremlin’s technical answer to the American supplied HIMARS. The footage depicts an initial attempt to intercept incoming Ukrainian drones, followed by a direct hit that triggered a significant secondary explosion and catastrophic fire.
Military analysts suggest the destroyed unit was the 9A54 variant, a heavy launcher designed to replace the ageing Soviet era Smerch system. While Russia also operates the lighter and more mobile 9A524 Tornado-S version, this loss involves the primary heavy platform. The system has a standard operational range of 90 kilometres, allowing it to strike deep behind front lines. Ukrainian sources linked this specific unit to recent indiscriminate shelling of civilian infrastructure in the Khortytskyi district of Zaporizhzhia city.
The Tornado-S is a rare asset in the arsenal of the Russian dictator, with approximately 50 units estimated to be in active service before this engagement. Procurement data indicates that each of these advanced systems costs the Russian Ministry of Defence roughly 150 million Rubles (1.95 million US Dollars). The loss is significant as it demonstrates the vulnerability of even the most sophisticated Russian artillery when moved within 50 kilometres of the front line to facilitate attacks on urban centres.
The successful strike occurred near the settlement of Volodymyrivka, where the system was positioned in an open field. Despite the claims of the Russian dictator regarding the superiority of domestic military technology, the Tornado-S proved incapable of defending itself against low cost Ukrainian loitering munitions. This development follows a pattern of high value Russian equipment being compromised by Ukrainian reconnaissance and strike drone teams.
Observers remain sceptical of the Kremlin’s ability to replace such high end systems rapidly, given the ongoing strain on the Russian industrial base.
