BM-21 Grad vs BM-30 Smerch

The BM-21 Grad and the BM-30 Smerch are both Multiple Launch Rocket Systems, manufactured by Motovilikha Plants and Splav State Research and Production Enterprise respectively. Operational range is 750 km for the BM-21 Grad vs 90 km for the BM-30 Smerch. The BM-21 Grad is armed with a 40 launch tubes, while the BM-30 Smerch carries a 300mm rockets (9M55 or 9M528). The BM-21 Grad entered service 26 years before the BM-30 Smerch (1963 vs 1989).

Introduced by the Soviet Union in 1963, the BM-21 Grad is a multiple rocket launcher featuring a 40-tube 122mm launch array mounted on a truck chassis.
Profile of BM-21 Grad
Origin country 🇷🇺 Russia
Category Multiple Launch Rocket System
Type Self-propelled 122 mm multiple rocket launcher
Manufacturer Motovilikha Plants
Number produced -- units
Estimated unit price $-- million
The BM-30 Smerch is a Soviet heavy multiple rocket launcher introduced in 1987, featuring twelve 300mm launch tubes mounted on an 8x8 wheeled chassis.
Profile of BM-30 Smerch
Origin country 🇷🇺 Russia
Category Multiple Launch Rocket System
Type Heavy self-propelled 300 mm multiple rocket launcher
Manufacturer Splav State Research and Production Enterprise
Number produced -- units
Estimated unit price $-- million
Maximum speed 75 km/h
Operational range 750 km â—‰
Crew three-member crew
Engine water-cooled V8 180 hp gasoline engine
Main armament 40 launch tubes
Secondary weapon 122 mm M-21OF rocket
Maximum speed -- km/h
Operational range 90 km â—‰
Crew 4 members
Engine --
Main armament 300mm rockets (9M55 or 9M528)
Secondary weapon 12-round launch tube cluster

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the BM-21 Grad or BM-30 Smerch?
The BM-21 Grad is faster with a maximum road speed of 75 km/h compared to the BM-30 Smerch's 0 km/h.
Which has longer operational range, the BM-21 Grad or BM-30 Smerch?
The BM-21 Grad has a longer operational range at 750 km compared to the BM-30 Smerch's 90 km.
How many crew members do the BM-21 Grad and BM-30 Smerch require?
The BM-21 Grad requires a larger crew of three-member crew compared to the BM-30 Smerch's 4 members crew members.
What are the main armaments of the BM-21 Grad and BM-30 Smerch?
The BM-21 Grad is armed with 40 launch tubes while the BM-30 Smerch carries 300mm rockets (9M55 or 9M528) as its main armament.