Ukraine War Up. EXTRA: A Ramble - The Hunt for the Red Tornado-S, "HIMARS equivalent"
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"There is a difference between having the equivalent and having the equivalent on the battlefield. There is no equivalent because they're not using it."
Introduction
Jonathan discusses whether Russia has an equivalent to the HIMARS multiple launch rocket system used by Ukraine, which has proven highly effective due to its mobility and accuracy (up to 84km range). He examines the claims made by pro-Russian voices that the Tornado-S system is a match for HIMARS.
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Tornado-S system capabilities
- Tornado-S is an upgraded multiple launch rocket system, with guided missiles that have a claimed range of 120km
- Reported to have "meter accuracy" and able to "devastate tens of hectares at maximum firepower"
- However, limited evidence of Tornado-S being used effectively on the battlefield so far
Questions over Tornado-S production and usage
- Tornado-S was supposedly used in the Donbas war from 2014, but the sources for this claim are questionable
- First clear evidence of Tornado-S being delivered to Russian forces is from November 2022
- Since then, there have been sporadic claims of Tornado-S being used to hit Ukrainian targets, but little verification
- Doubts remain over Russia's ability to mass produce the system and its guided missiles in sufficient quantities
Potential Ukrainian response
Jonathan speculates that if Tornado-S is indeed equivalent to HIMARS and a potential "game changer", Ukrainian forces would likely prioritise efforts to locate and destroy these systems. It's unclear if they have been successful in this so far.
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Wrap up
In summary, while Russia may have a system that is potentially equivalent to HIMARS in the Tornado-S, there are still major questions over their ability to deploy it at scale and use it effectively. More evidence is needed of Tornado-S' impact on the battlefield to determine if it is truly a match for HIMARS. Jonathan invites input from viewers who may have additional information on this topic.
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