MLRS are the next evolution of warfare in Eastern Europe

VaselineAugust 27, 2024

0 3 minutes read

MLRS are the next evolution of warfare in Eastern Europe

24/7 Wall St. Outlook:

The Eastern European region has witnessed increased deployment of MLRS units in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The appearance of the MLRS dates back to the Cold War era
Ukraine deploys US-funded M142 HIMARS
Also: dividend legends to be kept forever

The ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe between Russia and Ukraine has recently seen increased deployment and use of Multiple Launch Missile Systems (MLRS). They act as the next generation of conventional artillery, designed to launch an array of missiles over long distances with devastating effect. (This NATO country has 4,600 state-of-the-art tanks.)

The concept of MLRS dates back to the Cold War. The US Army’s introduction of the M270 MLRS in the early 1980s marked a significant evolution in artillery warfare. However, this was preceded by the Soviet Union’s development of the BM-21 Grad in the 1960s. This system set the standard for MLRS technology within the Russian military and was widely exported and used in various conflicts throughout world.

Currently, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine highlights the strategic importance of the MLRS. Both nations employed these units extensively.

On the Ukrainian side, financed by Western powers, is the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) provided by the United States. The M142 has a range of up to 300 miles and can launch a variety of missiles depending on the operational need.

On the Russian side, the Red Army uses, among others, the BM-30 Smerch, which can be equipped with a variety of warheads, from high explosives to cluster bombs. (Which countries support Russia in the conflict with Ukraine?)

Russia and Ukraine are not the only countries in that region with these MLRS units in stock. Not to mention that the deployment of these advanced missile systems has significantly altered the overall military strategy in the region.

24/7 Wall St. takes a closer look at the nations of Eastern Europe and what they have in their arsenals. To identify the Eastern European countries with the most MLRS units, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the 2024 Military Strength Ranking from Global Firepower, an annually updated defense statistics website with information on 145 countries. Countries were ranked by the total number of MLRS in their arsenal. We’ve included additional information on the total number of military vehicles, artillery and tanks, as well as each country’s overall military strength score. Nations that do not have any MLRS in their arsenal were excluded.

Here’s a look at the armies with the most MLRS units in Eastern Europe:

Why are we covering this?

MLRS are the next evolution of warfare in Eastern Europe

Understanding the military dynamics of Eastern Europe is essential due to the critical geopolitical importance of the region, not to mention the ongoing conflict. Eastern Europe has historically been a focal point of tension, and military power plays an important role in maintaining both political and economic stability. The stability of Eastern Europe remains vital to global security.