Missile OTR-21 Tochka (SS-21 Scarab)

Development of the OTR-21 began in 1968 to replace the Luna-M series of unguided artillery rockets. The initial variant entered service with the Soviet Army in 1975, with forward deployments to East Germany commencing in 1981. An improved version passed state tests in the late 1980s and was introduced in 1989.

The system is a mobile tactical ballistic missile utilizing a single-stage solid-propellant rocket. It is deployed via a mobile transporter-erector-launcher vehicle that is amphibious and NBC-protected. Guidance is provided by an internal inertial system, though the Tochka-R variant incorporates passive radar guidance for use against radar installations. The system supports various warhead configurations, including unitary high-explosive fragmentation, EMP, and submunitions designed for anti-personnel, anti-armor, and anti-runway roles. It can also be equipped with chemical or biological fillings. For nuclear operations, the missile carries a warhead with selectable yields of 10 or 100 kT.

The OTR-21 is widely deployed among former Soviet states and has been exported to several countries in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Current operators include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, and Syria. North Korea operates a variant designated as the KN-02. While Russia intended to decommission the system in favor of the 9K720 Iskander, it remains in service and has been returned to active units. Ukraine also maintains an inventory of launchers. Former operators include Belarus, Poland, and the former Czechoslovakia.

Combat use of the system is extensive. It was used during the 1994 Yemeni Civil War and by Russian forces in the Second Chechen War and the 2008 South Ossetia War. In the Syrian Civil War, the Syrian Army has employed the missile against insurgent forces and oil facilities. Houthi forces in Yemen have utilized the system for strikes against Saudi-led coalition bases. The missile was deployed by both sides during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. In the Russo-Ukrainian War, the system has been used by both Russian and Ukrainian forces. Recorded engagements include strikes on Millerovo Airbase, the Port of Berdiansk, and the railway station in Kramatorsk.

🇦🇲 Armenia • 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan • 🇧🇬 Bulgaria • 🇧🇾 Belarus • 🇨🇿 Czech Republic • 🇩🇪 Germany • 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan • 🇵🇱 Poland • 🇰🇵 North Korea • 🇷🇺 Russia • 🇸🇰 Slovakia • 🇸🇾 Syria • 🇺🇦 Ukraine • 🇾🇪 Yemen