Unconfirmed news from Kiev suggest that an unspecified number of S-8 rockets have arrived from an Eastern European ally of Ukraine. S-8 is an unguided 80 mm air-to-ground weapon developed in the 1970s during Soviet era. Over the year various variants allowing various kinds of payloads including HEAT anti-armor, high-explosive fragmentation, smoke, and incendiary, as well as the specialized S-8BM runway-destroying munition and the S-8DM fuel-air explosive variants.

S-8B and S-8BM variants offer 800 mm penetration against reinforced concrete targets due to its Penetration warhead.

Latest news from Ukraine suggest that Bulgarian firm Armaco could produce S-8 missiles for Kiev. The said weapon is compatible with Su-25, MiG-23 and MiG-29 aircraft, Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters. Since 2018, a new variant, known as S-8OFP Broneboishchik has entered service with the Russian Aerospace Forces. It is still unguided but has greater range, a heavier warhead, and a digital fuse. It carries improved motor with twice energy; pre-fragmented body; dual-mode fuzes allow detonating after penetration of concrete or light armor;

It is evident as the conflict in Ukraine is lingering on there is an urgent requirement of enhanced production of armament for Ukrainian forces. This explains why left over production capabilities from the days of the socialist camp and the Warsaw Pact Organization, in Eastern countries, to produce ammunition and repair weapons have gained much importance.

S-8 has been developed further for ground role as well. An armored self-propelled 80-tube MLRS vehicle using S-8 rockets has been developed by Belarusian industry.  Relatively short range of the rocket (3 – 5 km cross-ground) compared to Grad rockets is compensated for by lower cost and greater beaten area from a high number of rockets.

Only time will tell how this alleged acquisition by Ukraine will make any difference in battlefield where Russian forces are gaining momentum once again after retreating from Ukrainian territories during the last year.

News Desk