RM-70 multiple rocket launcher#Operators

RM-70 was developed in Czechoslovakia as a successor for the RM-51, achieving initial operational capability with its Army in 1972. The launcher was being produced in Dubnica nad Váhom (Slovakia). Originally, it was sold to East Germany. After the Soviet Union collapse and the split of Czechoslovakia into the Czech Republic and Slovakia, it was sold to several countries in Africa, America, Asia and Europe.

RM-70 replaced the Ural-375D 6x6 truck by a Tatra T813 "Kolos" 8x8 truck as carrier platform for the 40-round launcher. The new carrier vehicle provides enough space for carrying 40 additional 122 mm rockets pack for automatic reload. Nevertheless, RM-70 performance remains near the same as Grad even in terms of vehicle's speed and range. This rocket launcher can fire both individual rounds and volleys, principally by means of indirect fire. It is designed for concentrated fire coverage of large areas (up to {{cvt|3|hectare|m2}} in one volley) by high explosive fragmentation shells. The fire is robust with almost 256 kg of explosives used in one volley of 40 rockets. The rockets used are either the original Soviet 9M22 and 9M28, or locally developed models. These are the JROF with a range of 20.75 km, the JROF-K with a range of 11 km, the "Trnovnik" with 63 HEAT-bomblets and a range of 17.5 km, the "Kuš" with five PPMI-S1 anti-personnel mines or the "Krizhna-R" with four PTMI-D anti-tank mines and a range of 19.45 km. Ukraine has also used the RM-70 to fire Serbian G-2000 rockets with a range of 40.5 km.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-28 |title=Ukraine Is Arming Its Grad Systems With Serbian Rockets - Technology Org |url=https://www.technology.org/2024/02/28/ukraine-is-arming-its-grad-systems-with-serbian-rockets/ |access-date=2024-08-31 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Ukrainian gunners use Serbian ammunition |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/ukrainian-gunners-use-serbian-ammunition/ |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=Militarnyi |language=en-US}} RM-70 systems have been used by Ukraine to attack the Russian city of Belgorod.{{Cite news |date=2024-05-13 |title=Ukraine war briefing: 15 killed in Belgorod after Ukrainian missile shot down, officials say |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/13/ukraine-russia-war-briefing-news-update-today-day-810-kharkiv-belgorod-missile |access-date=2024-08-31 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite web |last=Times |first=The Moscow |date=2024-05-09 |title=Ukrainian Attacks on Russia's Belgorod Injure 8 as Moscow Marks Victory Day |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/05/09/ukrainian-attacks-on-russias-belgorod-injure-8-as-moscow-marks-victory-day-a85077 |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=The Moscow Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=代艳 |title=7 killed, 18 injured in Ukrainian rocket attack on Russia's Belgorod |url=https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202402/16/WS65cdf160a3104efcbdaeae83.html |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=global.chinadaily.com.cn}}{{Cite web |date=2024-03-28 |title=Zelensky government intensifies shelling of Russia’s Belgorod region in wake of Moscow terror attack |url=https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2024/03/28/owmz-m28.html |access-date=2024-09-02 |website=World Socialist Web Site |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-02-15 |title=6 people killed in missile strike in Russian city of Belgorod near Ukrainian border, 18 injured, officials say |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/6-people-killed-in-missile-strike-in-russian-city-of-belgorod-near-ukrainian-border-18-injured-officials-say |access-date=2024-09-02 |website=PBS News |language=en-us}}{{Cite web |last=Krasteva |first=Gergana |date=2024-02-15 |title=Ukraine's 'Vampire' projectiles strike Russian shopping centre, killing six |url=https://metro.co.uk/2024/02/15/ukraines-vampire-projectiles-strike-russian-shopping-centre-killing-five-20285636/ |access-date=2024-09-02 |website=Metro |language=en}}

The vehicle is provided with a central tyre pressure regulation system (to allow its adaptation to the nature of the traversed ground), a headlight with white light on the forward cab roof and, if necessary, with a snow plough SSP 1000 or a dozer blade BZ-T to arrange its own emplacement or to remove obstacles.

File:RM-70 Vampire 4D.jpg

• RM-70 - Basic model, as described.{{cite web|url=http://forum.valka.cz/viewtopic.php/t/12582/title/CZK-vz-70-122mm-raketomet |title=CZK - vz. 70 (122mm raketomet) :: Československo / ČR / SR (CZK/CZE/SVK) :: Raketomety a taktické raketové systémy |publisher=Forum.valka.cz |access-date=2014-05-05}}
• {{vanchor |RM-70/85|RM-70M}} - Unarmored version of the RM-70, based on the Tatra T815 VPR9 8x8.1R truck with 265 hp engine T3-930-51. Combat weight: 26.1 t. Sometimes called RM-70M.{{cite web|url=http://forum.valka.cz/viewtopic.php/t/19889/title/CZK-vz-70-85-122mm-raketomet |title=CZK - vz. 70/85 (122mm raketomet) :: Československo / ČR / SR (CZK/CZE/SVK) :: Raketomety a taktické raketové systémy |publisher=Forum.valka.cz |access-date=2014-05-05}}
• {{vanchor |RM-70/85M|85M}} - Modernised vehicle with new fire control and navigation equipment, can use a new type of rocket with a range of 36 km. Slovakia has ordered 50 upgrade packages.{{cite web|url=http://forum.valka.cz/viewtopic.php/t/12993 |title=SVK - RM 70/85M (122mm raketomet) :: Československo / ČR / SR (CZK/CZE/SVK) :: Raketomety a taktické raketové systémy |date=26 May 2004 |publisher=Forum.valka.cz |access-date=2014-05-05}}
• {{vanchor |RM-70 Modular}} - In December 2000, the Slovak Ministry of Defense and Delta Defence started the RM-70 Modular German-Slovak modernization project. RM-70 Modular allows this artillery system to launch either twenty-eight 122 mm rockets, or six 227 mm rockets as used on the M270 MLRS. This way the system became fully NATO interoperable. The truck cabin is entirely armored. The Slovak Republic signed for 26 upgraded artillery systems with the first one delivered on May 20, 2005. RM-70 Modular is being offered as an upgrade for RM-70 owners.{{cite web|url=http://forum.valka.cz/viewtopic.php/t/12992/title/SVK-DEU-RM-70-Modular-122mm-227mm-raketomet/sid/e95ba955c3793b2a072e25f41f0d7740 |title=SVK/DEU - RM 70/85 Modular (122mm / 227mm raketomet) :: Československo / ČR / SR (CZK/CZE/SVK) :: Raketomety a taktické raketové systémy |publisher=Forum.valka.cz |access-date=2014-05-05}}

{{anchor |Vz.92|VMZ vz.92 Križan}}

• Vz.92 "Križan" VMZ (velkokapacitní mobilní zatarasovač) - Engineer vehicle, based on the Tatra T815 36.265 with a lightly armoured cabin. The vehicle comes in different configurations, the standard being a 40-round rocket launcher (for "Kuš" and "Krizhna-R" rockets), a mechanical mine layer for anti-tank mines (PT Mi-U or PT Mi-Ba-III) and two dispensers for anti-personnel mines (PP Mi-S1).{{cite web|url=http://forum.valka.cz/viewtopic.php/t/13335/highlight/ |title=CZK - VMZ vz.92 Križan (velkokapacitní mobilní zatarasovač) :: Československo / ČR / SR (CZK/CZE/SVK) :: Speciální nástavby |date=9 June 2004 |publisher=Forum.valka.cz |access-date=2014-05-05}}
• {{vanchor |RM-70 Vampire}} - Upgraded version with digital fire control. Tatra 817 truck chassis powered by a Tatra T3C V8 engine{{Cite web|url=https://www.tatratrucks.com/why-tatra/tatra-vehicle-design/tatra-engine/|title=TATRA engine :: Tatratrucks.com|website=www.tatratrucks.com}} with 270 kW of output, coupled with a Tatra 10 TS 210 N gearbox, with semi-automatic Tatra Norgen drive system and an additional gearbox Tatra 2.30TRS. It has a range of around {{convert|1,000|km|mi|abbr=on}} and a top speed of {{convert|90|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} with an armored and NBC-protected crew cabin.[http://armyrecognition.com/april_2016_global_defense_security_news_industry/excalibur_army_offers_a_modern_version_of_the_rm-70_rocket_artillery_system_41304163.html Excalibur Army offers a modern version of the RM-70 rocket artillery system] - Armyrecognition.com, 13 April 2016

File:RM-70 operators.png

Image:Slovakia army 889.jpg

File:RM 70 in Indonesia.jpg RM-70 unit firing]]

• {{ANG}} − 40 {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|p=433}}
• {{AZE}} − 18 RM-70 Vampire {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=173}}
• {{CAM}} − 20 RM-70 {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=236}}
• {{flaglist|Democratic Republic of the Congo}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|p=447}}
• {{ECU}} − 6 as of 2024.{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2024 |date=February 13, 2024 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1032780047 |edition=1st |pages=432}}
• {{FIN}} − 34 RM-70 {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=88}}
• {{GEO}} − 18 RM-70 {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=177}}
• {{GRE}} − 108 RM-70 {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=98}}
• {{INA}} − 9 RM-70 and 8 RM-70 Vampire used {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}. Used by the Marines{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=256}}
• {{NGA}} − 7 RM-70 {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=470}}
• {{PRK}} − Unknown number purchased from second-hand sources during the Cold War and domestically produced[http://armyrecognition.com/april_2017_global_defense_security_news_industry/analysis_new_combat_vehicles_and_tanks_at_military_parade_in_south_korea_by_army_recognition_11704172.html Analysis: New combat vehicles and tanks at military parade in North Korea by Army Recognition] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418082622/http://armyrecognition.com/april_2017_global_defense_security_news_industry/analysis_new_combat_vehicles_and_tanks_at_military_parade_in_south_korea_by_army_recognition_11704172.html |date=2017-04-18 }} - Armyrecognition.com, 17 April 2017{{Cite web|url=https://www.nknews.org/2015/10/analysis-of-new-updated-equipment-in-october-10-parade/|title = N.Korea's 'conservative' display contrasts with past WPK celebrations | NK News|date = 10 October 2015}}
• {{POL}} − 29 RM-70 {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=121}}
• {{RWA}} − 5 {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|p=472}}
• {{SADR}}{{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |last2=Grandolini |first2=Albert |last3=Fontanellaz |first3=Adrien |title=Showdown in Western Sahara, Volume 2: Air Warfare Over the Last African Colony, 1975-1991 |date=2019 |publisher=Helion & Company Publishing |location=Warwick, UK |isbn=978-1-912866-29-8 |page=66}}
• {{SVK}} − 4 RM-70 and 26 RM-70/85 Modular {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=131}}
• {{SRI}} − 22 RM-70 {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=289}}
• {{TKM}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=200}}
• {{UGA}} − 6 {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|p=485}}
• {{Flag|Ukraine}} − 20 RM-70 Vampire {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=202}} At least 5 destroyed or damaged as 27 April 2025.{{Cite web |last=Oryx |title=Attack On Europe: Documenting Ukrainian Equipment Losses During The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-ukrainian.html |access-date=2025-04-27|website=Oryx Blog}}
• {{Flag|Uruguay}}{{Cite web |title=UNROCA (United Nations Register of Conventional Arms) |url=https://www.unroca.org/czech-republic/report/1998/ |website=www.unroca.org}}
• {{ZIM}} − 60 RM-70 {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|p=488}}

===Former operators===

• {{BUL}} − 12 imported in 2009{{cite web|url=http://www.un-register.org/HeavyWeapons/CountryDetail.aspx?Register_Id=1782|title=Bulgarian arms imports, 2009 calendar year|publisher=UNODA|access-date=14 June 2013}} (re-export, not commissioned in the Bulgarian Army)
• {{CZE}} − 60 RM-70 (decommissioned as of end of 2011 without replacement){{citation needed|date=January 2019}}
• {{flag|Czechoslovakia}} − Passed on to the Czech Republic and Slovakia after its dissolution{{citation needed|date=January 2019}}
• {{GDR}} − 265 RM-70 received between 1975 and 1989; 158 delivered to Greece after the collapse of East Germany and 36 sold to Finland in 1991
• {{DEU}} − Inherited from East Germany, donated to Greece.{{sfn|Military Balance 2016|p=104}}
• {{flag|Libya|1977}} − 36 (delivered by Czechoslovakia between 1981 and 1982).{{cite web |title=Trade Registers |url=https://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |website=armstrade.sipri.org |publisher=Stockholm International Peace Research Institute |access-date=7 September 2023}} Estimated 100 RM-70 in service prior to the 2011 Libyan civil war{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2011 |date=2011 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-85743-606-8 |page=320 |language=en |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies }}

• {{ALG}} – Unknown number observed at Mers Al-Kebir Naval Base in the early 1980s. Operational status unknown.{{cite report|title=RM-70 MULTIPLE ROCKET LAUNCHES WITH POLISARIO FORCES AAIN UM SERUSA POLISARIO CAMP, WESTERN SAHARA (SANITIZED)|date=March 26, 1982|publisher=Central Intelligence Agency|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/document/cia-rdp82t00709r000100120001-3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123204642/https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/document/cia-rdp82t00709r000100120001-3|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 23, 2017}}

• BM-21 Grad
• WR-40 Langusta
• M-77 Oganj
• T-122 Sakarya
• Fajr-5
• RS-122

• {{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2023 |date=15 February 2023 |publisher=Routledge |pages=201−204 |isbn=978-1032508955 |edition=1st |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2023}}}}

{{reflist}}

{{commons category|RM-70}}

• [http://www.diehl-bgt-defence.de/index.php?id=551&L=1 Diehl BGT Defence RM-70 Modular]
• [http://www.armyrecognition.com/czech_army_artillery_vehicle_weapon_systems_uk/rm-70_m1972_122mm_mlrs_multiple_launch_rocket_system_technical_data_sheet_specifications_pictures.html RM-70 M1972 122mm MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System on armyrecognition.com]
• {{cite book|title=The Military Balance 2016|date=February 2016|volume=116|isbn=9781857438352 |publisher=Routlegde|ref={{harvid|Military Balance 2016}}|author=International Institute for Strategic Studies|author-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies}}
• [http://www.deagel.com/pandora/rm-70_opm0077001.aspx Deagel, RM-70] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061207200952/http://www.deagel.com/pandora/rm-70_opm0077001.aspx |date=2006-12-07 }}
• [http://www.armyrecognition.com/europe/Tchecoslovaquie/vehicule_artillerie/RM-70/RM-70_Tchecoslovaquie_description.htm Army Recognition, RM-70]
• [http://www.army.cz/scripts/detail.php?id=6051 Ministry of Defence of Czech Republic, Rocket Launcher 122 mm type 70]

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