OTR-21 Tochka#Scarab B

{{Infobox weapon

| is_vehicle = Yes

| is_missile = yes

| name = OTR-21 Tochka
SS-21 Scarab

| image = Tochka-U rep parad Yekat.jpg

| image_size = 300

| caption = Russian Tochka-U missile launchers at a rehearsal for a parade in Yekaterinburg

| origin = Soviet Union

| type = Tactical ballistic missile

| used_by = See Operators

| wars = Yemeni Civil War (1994)
First Chechen War
Second Chechen War
Syrian Civil War
Russo-Ukrainian War
Yemeni Civil War (2015–present)
2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

| manufacturer = KBM (Kolomna)

| unit_cost = $300,000{{cite news|url=https://forbes.ua/inside/rosiya-za-vikhidni-vipustila-po-ukraini-raket-vartistyu-blizko-200-mln-otsinka-forbes-27062022-6838 |first1=Volodymyr |last1=Landa|first2=Konstantin|last2= Gnenny |title=Over the weekend, Russia launched missiles worth about $200 million over Ukraine., Росія за вихідні випустила по Україні ракет вартістю близько $200 млн.|language=uk|agency=Forbes|access-date=19 September 2022}}

| propellant =

| production_date = 1973

| service = 1976–present (Scarab A)
1989–present (Scarab B)

| primary_armament = 1 × OTR 21/9K79 Tactical Ballistic Missile

| engine = Single-stage solid-propellant rocket

| engine_power = 96kN[http://www.b14643.de/Spacerockets/Specials/RT-Missiles/index.htm#9M79 Some important Soviet solid fuel missiles]{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107004550/http://www.b14643.de/Spacerockets/Specials/RT-Missiles/index.htm#9M79 |date=2017-11-07 }} & 9M79M (Totchka)

| weight = {{convert|2000|kg|abbr=on}} Scarab A
{{convert|2010|kg|abbr=on}} Scarab B

| length = {{convert|6400|mm|abbr=on}}

| height =

| diameter = {{convert|650|mm|abbr=on}}

| wingspan =

| accuracy = 150 m (Tochka)
95 m (Tochka-U)

| speed = {{convert|1.8|km/s|mi/s Mach|abbr=on}}

| max_range = {{convert|70|km|abbr=on}} Scarab A
{{convert|120|km|abbr=on}} Scarab B

| ceiling =

| altitude =

| filling = Chemical, 100 kt nuclear warhead, EMP, or fragmentation filling

| guidance = Inertial guidance, Tochka-R added passive radar against radar installations

| launch_platform = {{ill|BAZ-5921|ru|БАЗ-5921}} Mobile TEL

| is_explosive = yes

| crew = 3

| is_ranged = yes

}}

OTR-21 Tochka ({{langx|ru|оперативно-тактический ракетный комплекс (ОТР) «Точка»|operativno-takticheskiy raketnyy kompleks (OTR) "Tochka"|Tactical Operational Missile Complex "Point"}}) is a Soviet tactical ballistic missile. Its GRAU designation is 9K79. Its NATO reporting name is the SS-21 Scarab. One missile is transported per 9P129 vehicle and raised prior to launch. It uses an inertial guidance system.{{cite news |last1=Dullum |first1=Ove |title=The Rocket Artillery Reference Book |url=https://ffi-publikasjoner.archive.knowledgearc.net/bitstream/handle/20.500.12242/2257/09-00179.pdf |publisher=Norwegian Defence Research Establishment |date=30 June 2010}}{{cite news |title=Technikkatalog - Taktische Rakete (TR) 9M79B, F, K |url=http://www.rwd-mb3.de/pages/9m79.htm |access-date=16 March 2023 |publisher=Rocket and Weapons Technical Service, Leipzig}}

The OTR-21 forward deployment to East Germany began in 1981,{{citation needed|date=April 2023}} replacing the earlier Luna-M series of unguided artillery rockets. The system was scheduled to be decommissioned by the Russian Armed Forces in 2020 in favour of the 9K720 Iskander,{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=Russia's Military Modernisation: An Assessment |date=2020 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-000-34451-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3bX_DwAAQBAJ&dq=iskander+replace+tochka-u+missiles&pg=PT14 |page=14 |language=en}} but they have been observed in use against Ukrainian targets during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{cite book |last1=Williams |first1=Ian |title=Putin's Missile War: Russia's Strike Campaign in Ukraine |date=16 August 2023 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=978-1-5381-7067-0 |page=31 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P3fREAAAQBAJ |language=en}}{{cite web |last1=Alberque |first1=William |title=What has the war revealed about Russia's non-strategic missiles? |date=6 March 2023 |url=https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/online-analysis/2023/03/what-has-the-war-revealed-about-russias-non-strategic-missiles/ |website=Online Analysis |publisher=International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) |access-date=10 September 2023 |language=en}}

Description

The OTR-21 is a mobile missile launch system, designed to be deployed along with other land combat units on the battlefield. While the 9K52 Luna-M is large and relatively inaccurate, the OTR-21 is much smaller. The missile itself can be used for precise strikes on enemy tactical targets, such as control posts, bridges, storage facilities, troop concentrations and airfields. The fragmentation warhead can be replaced with a nuclear, biological or chemical warhead. The solid propellant makes the missile easy to maintain and deploy.

OTR-21 units are usually managed in a brigade structure.{{where|date=July 2022}} There are 18 launchers in a brigade. Each launcher is provided with two or three missiles.{{sfn|Lennox|2003|p=147}}

The vehicle is amphibious, with a maximum road speed of {{convert|60|km/h|abbr=on}} and {{convert|8|km/h|abbr=on}} in water. The vehicle is NBC-protected. The system began development in 1968. Three variants were developed.

=Tochka=

The initial version, Tochka, NATO reporting name Scarab A, entered service with the Soviet Army in 1975.{{sfn|Lennox|2003|p=147}} It carried one of four types of warhead:

9M123F unitary High explosive warhead. Weight {{convert|420|kg}}.{{sfn|Lennox|2003|p=147}}
9M123K submunitions warhead. Anti-personnel, anti-armour and anti-runway submunitions available.{{sfn|Lennox|2003|p=147}}
9M79B nuclear. Selectable yield of 10 or 100 kT.{{sfn|Lennox|2003|p=147}}
9N123R EMP warhead.{{sfn|Lennox|2003|p=147}}

The minimum range was about {{convert|15|km|abbr=on}}, maximum range was {{convert|70|km|abbr=on}}. Its circular error probable (CEP) is estimated to be about {{convert|150|m|abbr=on}}.{{sfn|Lennox|2003|p=147}}

File:SpB-Museum-artillery-100.jpg

=Tochka-U=

The improved Tochka-U, NATO reporting name Scarab B, passed state tests from 1986 to 1988, and was introduced in 1989.

A new motor propellant increased the range to {{convert|120|km|abbr=on}}. The CEP significantly improved, to {{convert|95|m|abbr=on}}.{{sfn|Lennox|2003|pp=147–148}} Six warhead options have been reported, a unitary high explosive warhead, an anti-personnel submunition dispenser, an anti-radar warhead, an EMP warhead and two nuclear warheads.{{sfn|Lennox|2003|p=148}}

=Scarab C=

An unconfirmed{{cite web|url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/ss-21/|title=OTR-21 Tochka|date=2022-03-31|access-date=2022-12-04}} third variant, designated Scarab C by NATO, may have been developed in the 1990s, but was likely never operational. Range increased to {{convert|185|km|abbr=on}}, and the CEP decreased to less than 70 m (229 ft). Scarab C weighed {{convert|1800|kg|abbr=on}}.

= Configuration =

9M79 missiles with various types of warheads (-9M79-1 for Tochka U Complex).
Launcher 9P129 or 9P129-1M (SPU);
Transport and loading machine 9T218 or 9T128-1 (TZM);
Transport vehicle 9T222 or 9T238 (TM);
Automatic testing machine 9V819 or 9V819-1 (AKIM);
Technical service vehicle 9V844 or 9V844M (MTO).
Set of weapon equipment 9F370-1 (KAO);

Educational means:{{citation needed|date=July 2022}}

Simulator 9F625M;
Missile overall weight model (such as 9M79K-GVM).
9M79-UT training missile and 9N123F (K) -UT, 9N39-UT warhead. 9H123F-R UT;
9M79-RM missile and 9N123K-RM missile split training model.

Operational history

During the 1994 Yemen civil war, the Yemeni government used Tochka missiles against southern forces.Zaloga, Steven J. Scud Ballistic Missile and Launch Systems 1955-2005, page 39.
In 1999, Russia used the missiles in the Second Chechen War.{{cite news|title=It Was No Spontaneous, But Planned War|url=http://en.novayagazeta.ru/data/2008/59/01.html|newspaper=Novaya Gazeta|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080930101732/http://en.novayagazeta.ru/data/2008/59/01.html|archive-date=2008-09-30}}
In August 2008, at least 15 Tochka missiles were deployed by Russian forces during the 2008 South Ossetia war.{{cite news |first=David A. |last=Fulghum |author2=Douglas Barrie |author3=Robert Wall |author4=Andy Nativi |title=Georgian Military Folds Under Russian Attack |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=awst&id=news/aw081808p2.xml&headline=Georgian%20Military%20Folds%20Under%20Russian%20Attack |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521070941/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=awst&id=news%2Faw081808p2.xml&headline=Georgian%20Military%20Folds%20Under%20Russian%20Attack |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-05-21 |work=Aviation Week |date=2008-08-15 |access-date=2008-11-09}}
In 2014, CNN reported that at least one was used near Donetsk during the War in Donbas, by either the Ukrainian Army or the Russian-backed separatist forces. The Ukrainian army issued a statement denying the use of the ballistic missile.{{cite news |url=http://www.dw.de/ukraine-denies-using-ballistic-missiles/a-17827342 |title=Ukraine denies using ballistic missiles |newspaper=Deutsche Welle |date=2 August 2014 |access-date=2 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006104650/http://www.dw.de/ukraine-denies-using-ballistic-missiles/a-17827342 |archive-date=6 October 2014 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2014/09/03/world/europe/ukraine-kill-zone-lister/ |title=Wrecked tanks, deserted playgrounds: Inside the kill zone of eastern Ukraine |author=Tim Lister |publisher=CNN |date=3 September 2014 |access-date=2 October 2014 |quote=In a burned field south of Ilovaisk, on what was the frontline of combat a few days ago, we found a large green tube amid bushes and trees. Military experts have identified it as the rocket motor section of a Russian-made SS-21 "Scarab" ballistic missile. But both the Ukrainian and Russian militaries have the SS-21. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006173233/http://edition.cnn.com/2014/09/03/world/europe/ukraine-kill-zone-lister/ |archive-date=6 October 2014 |url-status=live}}
In the early stages of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Tochka was the Ukrainian Army primary way of striking Russian air bases.{{sfn|Cooper|Fontanellaz|Crowther|Sipos|2023|page=168}}

=Syrian civil war (2011–present)=

In early December 2014, the Syrian Army fired at least one Tochka against Syrian rebels during the Siege of Wadi al-Deif (near Maarat al-Numan, in Idlib province).{{cite web|url=http://www.aksalser.com/?page=view_articles&id=ef75454e424b20770be9b3f3fdae7fe1|title=( + ) -|date=2014-12-15|access-date=2014-12-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217130607/http://www.aksalser.com/?page=view_articles&id=ef75454e424b20770be9b3f3fdae7fe1|archive-date=2014-12-17|url-status=live}}{{failed verification|date=April 2022}}
On 26 April 2016, the Syrian Army fired a Tochka at Syrian rebels in the Syrian Civil Defense Center in west Aleppo.{{cite web|url=http://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2016/26-april-tochkau-fired-by-regime-in-west-aleppo|title=Tochka-U fired by regime in West Aleppo|website=Map of Syrian Civil war/ Global conflict in Syria - liveuamap.com|access-date=2016-04-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530140733/http://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2016/26-april-tochkau-fired-by-regime-in-west-aleppo|archive-date=2016-05-30|url-status=live}}
On 14 June 2016, the Syrian Army fired a Tochka at Syrian rebel groups Al-Rahman Legion and Jaysh Al-Fustat in Eastern Ghouta, killing several fighters.{{cite news |last=Fadel |first=Leith |date=16 June 2016 |title=Islamist offensive in the East Ghouta turns disastrous |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-offensive-turns-disastrous-east-ghouta/ |newspaper=Al Masdar News |access-date=16 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807173051/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-offensive-turns-disastrous-east-ghouta/ |archive-date=7 August 2016 |url-status=live }}
On 20 March 2018, the Syrian Army fired a Tochka towards the Turkish Hatay province, which fell in the border district of Yayladağı without causing any casualties or damage.{{Cite web |url=https://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2018/20-march-saa-has-fired-a-tochka-ballistic-missile-at-open |title=SAA has fired a Tochka Ballistic missile at open area of Turkish town of Yayladagi/Antioch. No casualties. Hatay |access-date=2018-03-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320171125/https://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2018/20-march-saa-has-fired-a-tochka-ballistic-missile-at-open |archive-date=2018-03-20 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2018/20-march-russianmade-otr21-tochka-missile-that-has-fallen |title=Russian-made OTR-21 Tochka missile that has fallen in Yayladağı district of Hatay Hatay |access-date=2019-02-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225162251/https://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2018/20-march-russianmade-otr21-tochka-missile-that-has-fallen |archive-date=2019-02-25 |url-status=live }}
On 23 July 2018, the Syrian Army fired two Tochka missiles near the Israeli border. Initially thought to be inbound to Israel near the Sea of Galilee, two David's Sling interceptors were fired by Israel. A few moments later it became clear they were going to strike within Syria, as such one interceptor was detonated over Israel while the other one fell inside Syria.[https://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Second-Davids-Sling-missile-fell-in-Syria-without-hitting-target-563338 "Second David's Sling-missile fell in Syria without hitting target"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530124435/https://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Second-Davids-Sling-missile-fell-in-Syria-without-hitting-target-563338 |date=2019-05-30 }}, The Jerusalem Post, 25 July 2018 One Tochka missile landed 1 kilometer inside Syria.{{Cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/syrian-missiles-with-half-ton-warheads-triggered-anti-missile-system-army-says/ |title=2 Syrian missiles with half-ton warheads trigger Israel's anti-missile system |website=The Times of Israel |access-date=2018-07-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723140821/https://www.timesofisrael.com/syrian-missiles-with-half-ton-warheads-triggered-anti-missile-system-army-says/ |archive-date=2018-07-23 |url-status=live}}
On 5 March 2021, the Syrian Army reportedly fired a KN-02 Toksa, a North Korean copy, solid fuelled short ranged missile against a major oil facility in the country’s Idlib governorate, which is currently under the control of Turkish-backed insurgents.{{Cite web|title=Missile strikes hit oil refineries in northern Syria, killing one|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/5/missile-strikes-hit-oil-refineries-in-north-syria-killing-one|access-date=2021-03-08|publisher=Al Jazeera|language=en|archive-date=2021-03-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308035656/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/5/missile-strikes-hit-oil-refineries-in-north-syria-killing-one|url-status=live}} The strike near oil facilities ignited major blazes and killed one and wounded 11 people.

=Yemeni civil war (2014–present)=

On 4 September 2015, Houthi forces fired a Tochka missile at Safir base in Marib killing over 100 Saudi-led coalition personnel.{{Cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/toll-yemen-rebel-attack-rises-10-saudi-troops-33555915 |title=Toll From Yemen Rebel Attack Rises as 10 Saudi Troops Killed |publisher=ABC News |access-date=2015-09-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913080326/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/toll-yemen-rebel-attack-rises-10-saudi-troops-33555915 |archive-date=2015-09-13 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.albawaba.com/news/uae-soldier-deaths-yemen-rise-52-742716 |title=UAE soldier deaths in Yemen rise to 52 |publisher=Al Bawaba |access-date=2017-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904110028/https://www.albawaba.com/news/uae-soldier-deaths-yemen-rise-52-742716 |archive-date=2017-09-04 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://thesoufancenter.org/tsg-intelbrief-the-endless-fight-for-yemen/ |title=TSG IntelBrief: The Endless Fight for Yemen |date=9 September 2015 |publisher=The Soufan Group |access-date=2017-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614063834/http://www.soufangroup.com/tsg-intelbrief-the-endless-fight-for-yemen/ |archive-date=2017-06-14 |url-status=live}}
On 14 December 2015, Houthi forces fired another Tochka missile at Bab Al Mandab base killing over 150 Saudi-led coalition personnel stationed there.{{cite web |last=Gould |first=Joe |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/2015/12/14/united-arab-emirates/77289732/ |title=united-arab-emirates |publisher=Defensenews.com |date=2015-12-14 |access-date=2017-03-02 |archive-date=2022-06-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619103155/https://www.defensenews.com/home/2015/12/14/152-feared-dead-in-yemen-ballistic-missle-strike/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35091675 |title=Yemen conflict: Gulf commanders 'killed in missile strike' |publisher=BBC News |date=2015-12-14 |access-date=2017-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422142527/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35091675 |archive-date=2017-04-22 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/senior-saudi-military-commander-killed-in-yemen-1450100887 |title=Cease-fire in Yemen Ushers In Talks to End War |work=Wall Street Journal |date=2015-12-14 |access-date=2017-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613101402/https://www.wsj.com/articles/senior-saudi-military-commander-killed-in-yemen-1450100887 |archive-date=2017-06-13 |url-status=live}}
On 16 January 2016, Houthi forces fired a Tochka at Al Bairaq base in Marib killing dozens of Saudi-led coalition personnel {{cite web |url=http://www.al-akhbar.com/node/250124 |title="توشكا" جديد يقصم ظهر "التحالف" | الأخبار |trans-title=New "shakes" break the back of the "alliance" | news|publisher=Al-akhbar.com |access-date=2017-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170529140111/http://www.al-akhbar.com/node/250124 |archive-date=2017-05-29 |url-status=live }}
On 31 January 2016, Houthi forces fired a Tochka at Al Anad base in Lahj killing and wounding over 200 Saudi-led coalition personnel{{cite web |author=Leith Fadel |url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/26597/ |title=Over 200 Saudi-led Coalition fighters killed in Tochka missile strike |publisher=Al-Masdar News |access-date=2017-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118035515/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/26597 |archive-date=2016-11-18 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.almanar.com.lb/english/adetails.php?eid=252844&frid=23&cid=23&fromval=1&seccatid=31 |title=Yemen's Tochka Attack Kills Blackwater Commander, Saudi Mercenaries- Al Manar TV Website Archive |publisher=Almanar.com.lb |date=2016-01-31 |access-date=2017-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213232710/http://www.almanar.com.lb/english/adetails.php?eid=252844&frid=23&seccatid=31&cid=23&fromval=1 |archive-date=2016-02-13 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://postskriptum.org/2016/01/31/alanad/ |title=Defense Digest on Twitter: "Updated #Tochka strike damage in Al Anad in #Yemen, 120 Sudanese dead out of the 145 killed & more than 250 injured" |date=31 January 2016 |publisher=postskriptum.org.com |access-date=2019-08-22 |archive-date=2019-08-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822215156/https://postskriptum.org/2016/01/31/alanad/ |url-status=live }}

=2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war=

File:Tochka-yerevanska.jpegn OTR-21 during the Independence Day parade in Yerevan, 2016]]

Azerbaijan claimed Armenia fired Tochka-U rockets at its territory during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Armenia denied this, stating that Azerbaijan is making "disinformation to justify the use of a similar system or a system of a higher caliber."[https://tass.com/world/1207013 Yerevan debunks reports of Tochka-U missile system use in Nagorno-Karabakh] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002203734/https://tass.com/world/1207013 |date=2020-10-02 }} Tass, 30 Sept 2020.

=Russo-Ukrainian War=

File:ChemicalExercise2018-01.jpg

On 24 February 2022, Ukrainian forces launched a missile attack on Russian Millerovo Airbase in Rostov Oblast, using two Tochka-U ballistic missiles in response for the Russian invasion of Ukraine and to prevent further air strikes by the Russian air force against Ukraine.{{cite web|url=https://euromaidanpress.com/2022/02/25/ukrainian-forces-launch-missile-attack-on-russias-military-airfield/|title=Ukrainian forces launch missile attack on Russia's military airfield|date=25 February 2022 |publisher=EuroMaidan Press|access-date=25 February 2022|archive-date=26 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226121004/https://euromaidanpress.com/2022/02/25/ukrainian-forces-launch-missile-attack-on-russias-military-airfield/|url-status=live}} The attack left one Su-30SM destroyed on the ground.{{Cite web |last=Jennings |first=Gareth |date=25 February 2022 |title=Ukraine reportedly strikes Russian airbase |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/ukraine-reportedly-strikes-russian-airbase |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=Janes.com |language=en |archive-date=2022-02-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226181351/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/ukraine-reportedly-strikes-russian-airbase |url-status=live }}
On 24 February 2022, a 9M79 Tochka missile fired by Russian forces struck near a hospital building in Vuhledar, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, killing 4 civilians and wounding 10. An Amnesty International investigation confirmed that the hospital was not a military target.{{Cite web |date=2022-02-25 |title=Russia commits indiscriminate attacks during the invasion of Ukraine |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2022/02/russian-military-commits-indiscriminate-attacks-during-the-invasion-of-ukraine/ |access-date=2022-02-28 |publisher=Amnesty International |language=en |archive-date=2022-02-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227213655/https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2022/02/russian-military-commits-indiscriminate-attacks-during-the-invasion-of-ukraine/ |url-status=live }}
On 14 March 2022, the Russian Federation and the government of the separatist Donetsk People Republic blamed Ukrainian forces of launching a Tochka-U missile which killed 23 civilians and wounded 28 in Donetsk.{{Cite news |last=Tondo |first=Lorenzo |date=2022-03-14 |title=Russia accuses Kyiv of deadly missile attack on Donetsk |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/14/russia-accuses-kyiv-of-deadly-missile-attack-on-donetsk |access-date=2022-03-15 |archive-date=2022-03-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323132125/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/14/russia-accuses-kyiv-of-deadly-missile-attack-on-donetsk |url-status=live }} The housing facility was supposedly used as a barracks for separatists forces.{{Cite news|date=2022-03-30|title=Tochka: The Missile Ukraine Could Use To Attack Russia?|work=19fortyfive|url=https://www.19fortyfive.com/2022/03/tochka-the-missile-ukraine-could-use-to-attack-russia/|access-date=2022-04-09|archive-date=2022-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409212105/https://www.19fortyfive.com/2022/03/tochka-the-missile-ukraine-could-use-to-attack-russia/|url-status=live}}
On 19 March 2022, Russian forces claimed that they shot down a Ukrainian-fired missile near the Port of Berdiansk.
On 24 March 2022, the Russian Navy landing ship Saratov, docked in Berdyansk port in Ukraine, caught fire and sunk.{{cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/44904/russian-landing-ship-destroyed-in-massive-explosion-in-captured-ukrainian-port-city|title=Russian Landing Ship Destroyed In Massive Explosion In Captured Ukrainian Port City|work=The Drive|date=24 March 2022|access-date=27 March 2022|archive-date=13 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413141126/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/44904/russian-landing-ship-destroyed-in-massive-explosion-in-captured-ukrainian-port-city|url-status=live}} On 3 July, a Russian official confirmed the sinking of the Saratov, a Soviet era Tapir-class landing ship. The ship was hit by a Tochka-U missile. Russia claims that the ship was scuttled by its crew to prevent its munitions from exploding and that the ship has been salvaged since.{{cite news |title=Russia dredges up landing ship hit by Ukraine missile fire |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62022476 |access-date=4 July 2022 |work=BBC |date=3 July 2022 |language=en }}
On 8 April 2022, the railway station in Kramatorsk under Ukrainian control was hit by two Russian Tochka-U ballistic missiles. The attack killed at least 52 civilians and injured at least 87 more. Later, Russia falsely blamed Ukraine for the strike.Digital Forensic Research Lab, Russian War Report: Russia makes false claims while blaming Ukraine for Kramatorsk railway station attack. [https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/russian-war-report-russia-makes-false-claims-while-blaming-ukraine-for-kramatorsk-railway-station-attack/ Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab, April 8, 2022] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410135531/https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/russian-war-report-russia-makes-false-claims-while-blaming-ukraine-for-kramatorsk-railway-station-attack/ |date=April 10, 2022 }}. The message in Russian "Za detei", meaning on behalf of the children, had been daubed on the missile in white.{{cite news |last1=Harding |first1=Luke |last2=Walker |first2=Shaun |title=Russia accused of 'monstrous' war crime in Kramatorsk station attack |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/08/kramatorsk-train-station-ukraine-russia-rockets |access-date=8 April 2022 |work=The Guardian |date=8 April 2022 |language=en |archive-date=14 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414055821/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/08/kramatorsk-train-station-ukraine-russia-rockets |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Ukraine seeks tough reply after missile kills 52 at station |accessdate=8 April 2022 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/ukraine-seeks-tough-reply-missile-kills-52-station-83977967 |website=ABCNEWS |language=en |archive-date=9 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409060309/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/ukraine-seeks-tough-reply-missile-kills-52-station-83977967 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Kramatorsk station attack: What we know so far |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61036740 |access-date=9 April 2022 |work=BBC |date=9 April 2022 |language=en |archive-date=8 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408174230/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61036740 |url-status=live }}
On 13 January 2023, Ukraine claims to have killed over 100 Russian soldiers in the Soledar area using various special forces, artillery and a Tochka-U missile.{{cite web |title=Ukraine claims to have killed more than 100 Russians in missile strike |url=https://www.news.com.au/world/europe/ukraine-claims-to-have-killed-more-than-100-russians-in-missile-strike/news-story/249629d542860d8cf3d8ea24b1f9204e |date=12 January 2023 |website=news.com.au |access-date=13 January 2023}}
On 12 May 2024, according to Russian government and state media reports, a Ukrainian missile attack reportedly containing Tochka-U's allegedly damaged a 10-story residential building in Belgorod, with a reported death toll of 15 people.{{cite web |title=Ukraine strikes Russian apartment building killing 15 people |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/ukraine-strikes-russian-apartment-building-local-governor/story?id=110143742 |date=13 May 2024 |website=abcnews.go.com |access-date=20 June 2024}}

Operators

File:OTR-21 operators.png

File:Military parade in Baku 2013 12.JPG

File:OTR-21 Tochka missiles of the Ukrainian Military.JPG OTR-21 Tochka missiles during the Independence Day parade in Kyiv, 2008]]

=Current operators=

;{{flagu|Armenia}}: 3+ launchers as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024a|page=179}}

;{{flagu|Azerbaijan}}: 4 Tochka-U launchers as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024a|page=180}}

;{{flagu|Bulgaria}}: Unknown number of launchers as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=77}}

;{{flagu|Kazakhstan}}: 12 launchers as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024a|page=186}}

;{{flagu|North Korea}}: Unknown numbers of KN-02 Toksa variant as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024b|page=283}}

;{{flagu|Russia}}: In 2022, it was estimated that Russia had 200 missiles in service, despite being largely replaced by the Iskander.{{sfn|Cooper|Fontanellaz|Crowther|Sipos|2023|pages=167−168}} 50 launchers as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024a|page=193}}

;{{flagu|Ukraine}}: In 2022, it was estimated that Ukraine had 90 launchers and 500 missiles.{{sfn|Cooper|Fontanellaz|Crowther|Sipos|2023|page=168}} Unknown number of launchers as of 2024, possibly no longer operational{{sfn|IISS|2024a|page=212}}

;{{flagu|Syria}}: Unknown number of launchers as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024c|page=386}}

=Former operators=

File:Dywizjon ogniowy Toczka (11).JPG

;{{flagu|Belarus}}: 36 Tochka-U launchers in 2022, split in three brigades with 12 launchers each according to the International Institute of Strategic Studies, while the Belarusian order of battle only lists the 465th Missile Brigade.{{cite web |last1=Wright |first1=Timothy |last2=Alberque |first2=William |title=The credibility and implications of Russia's missile and nuclear proposal to Belarus |url=https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/online-analysis/2022/07/the-credibility-and-implications-of-russias-missile-and-nuclear-proposal-to-belarus/ |website=Online Analysis |publisher=International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) |access-date=15 November 2024 |language=en |date=21 July 2022}} None in service in 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024a|pages=182−184}}

;{{flagu|Czechoslovakia}}: 8 launchers in 1989.{{sfn|IISS|1989|page=46}} Passed on to successor states.{{sfn|IISS|2001|page=98}}{{sfn|IISS|2004|page=45}}

;{{flagu|Czech Republic}}: Inherited from Czechoslovakia, remained in service as late as 2004{{sfn|IISS|2004|page=45}}

;{{flagu|East Germany}}: 8 launchers in 1989,{{sfn|IISS|1989|page=47}} scrapped after the German reunification{{sfn|IISS|1991|page=49}}

;{{flagu|North Yemen}}: Ordered 12 launchers and around 100 missiles. Declared operational in 1988.{{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |title=Hot Skies Over Yemen, Volume 1: Aerial Warfare Over the South Arabian Peninsula, 1962-1994 |date=2017 |publisher=Helion & Company Publishing |location=Solihull, UK |isbn=978-1-912174-23-2|page=44}} They were used during the 1994 civil war,{{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |title=Hot Skies Over Yemen, Volume 1: Aerial Warfare Over the South Arabian Peninsula, 1962-1994 |date=2017 |publisher=Helion & Company Publishing |location=Solihull, UK |isbn=978-1-912174-23-2|page=51}} and were passed on to unified Yemen after.{{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |title=Hot Skies Over Yemen, Volume 2: Aerial Warfare Over the South Arabian Peninsula, 1994-2017 |date=2018 |publisher=Helion & Company Publishing |location=Warwick, UK |isbn=978-1-911628-18-7|page=15}}

;{{flagu|Poland}}: 4 launchers and 40 missiles delivered in 1987,{{cite web |title=Arms transfer database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |website=SIPRI |publisher=Stockholm International Peace Research Institute |access-date=15 November 2024}} remained in service as late as 2008{{sfn|IISS|2008|page=143}}

;{{flagu|Slovakia}}: Inherited a small number from Czechoslovakia, remained in service as late as 2001{{sfn|IISS|2001|page=98}}

;{{flagu|Soviet Union}}: 300 launchers in 1991,{{sfn|IISS|1991|page=37}} passed on to successor states{{sfn|Cooper|Fontanellaz|Crowther|Sipos|2023|pages=167−168}}

;{{flagu|Yemen}}: Inherited from North Yemen.{{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |title=Hot Skies Over Yemen, Volume 2: Aerial Warfare Over the South Arabian Peninsula, 1994-2017 |date=2018 |publisher=Helion & Company Publishing |location=Warwick, UK |isbn=978-1-911628-18-7|page=15}} Used during the 1994 civil war and the ongoing civil war.{{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |title=Hot Skies Over Yemen, Volume 2: Aerial Warfare Over the South Arabian Peninsula, 1994-2017 |date=2018 |publisher=Helion & Company Publishing |location=Warwick, UK |isbn=978-1-911628-18-7|page=56}} None in service in 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024c|page=394}}

References

=Bibliography=

{{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |last2=Fontanellaz |first2=Adrien |last3=Crowther |first3=Edward |last4=Sipos |first4=Milos |title=War in Ukraine: Volume 2: Russian Invasion, February 2022 |date=2023 |publisher=Helion and Company |isbn=978-1-80451-404-7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9CPpEAAAQBAJ |language=en}}
{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance: 1989−1990 |date=1989 |publisher=Brassey's |location=London |isbn=978-0080375694 |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|1989}}}}
{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance: 1991-1992 |date=1991 |publisher=Brassey's |location=London |isbn=978-0-08-041324-2 |url=https://archive.org/details/militarybalance10000unse_l2t2 |language=en |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|1991}}}}
{{cite journal |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=NATO and non‐NATO Europe |journal=The Military Balance |date=January 2001 |volume=101 |issue=1 |pages=29–104 |doi=10.1080/04597220108460153 |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/04597220108460153 |access-date=15 November 2024 |language=en |issn=0459-7222 |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2001}}}}
{{cite journal |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=NATO Europe |journal=The Military Balance |date=January 2004 |volume=104 |issue=1 |pages=35–76 |doi=10.1080/725292366 |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/725292366 |access-date=15 November 2024 |language=en |issn=0459-7222 |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2004}}}}
{{cite journal |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=Europe |journal=The Military Balance |date=February 2008 |volume=108 |issue=1 |pages=101–204 |doi=10.1080/04597220801912762 |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/04597220801912762 |access-date=15 November 2024 |language=en |issn=0459-7222 |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2008}}}}
{{cite journal |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=Chapter Three: Europe |journal=The Military Balance |date=12 February 2024 |volume=124 |issue=1 |pages=54–157 |doi=10.1080/04597222.2024.2298591 |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/04597222.2024.2298591 |access-date=15 November 2024 |language=en |issn=0459-7222 |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2024}}}}
{{cite journal |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=Chapter Four: Russia and Eurasia |journal=The Military Balance |date=12 February 2024 |volume=124 |issue=1 |pages=158–217 |doi=10.1080/04597222.2024.2298592 |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/04597222.2024.2298592 |access-date=15 November 2024 |language=en |issn=0459-7222 |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2024a}}}}
{{cite journal |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=Chapter Five: Asia |journal=The Military Balance |date=12 February 2024 |volume=124 |issue=1 |pages=218–327 |doi=10.1080/04597222.2024.2298593 |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/04597222.2024.2298593 |access-date=15 November 2024 |language=en |issn=0459-7222 |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2024b}}}}
{{cite journal |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=Chapter Six: Middle East and North Africa |journal=The Military Balance |date=12 February 2024 |volume=124 |issue=1 |pages=328–395 |doi=10.1080/04597222.2024.2298594 |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/04597222.2024.2298594 |access-date=15 November 2024 |language=en |issn=0459-7222 |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2024c}}}}
{{cite book |editor-last=Lennox |editor-first=Duncan |title=Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems |edition=38 |year=2003 |location=Coulsdon, UK |publisher=Jane's Information Group |isbn=0-71060880-2}}

External links

[http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/ss-21-tochka/ CSIS Missile Threat SS-21]
[http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile-war-yemen/ CSIS Missile Defense Project - The Missile War in Yemen]
[http://warfare.be/rus/?lang=rus&linkid=1704&catid=265 SS-21 Scarab article on Warfare.ru]
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeRzHyFX68M Tochka-U Video]
[http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/ss-21.htm SS-21 Scarab (9K79 Tochka)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828045811/http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/ss-21.htm |date=28 August 2016 }}
{{in lang|ru}} [http://www.kapyar.ru/index.php?pg=250 OTR Tochka] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221193104/http://www.kapyar.ru/index.php?pg=250 |date=21 February 2022 }}