In comparison to Kiev’s available missiles for its HIMARS and MLRS launchers, the TRLG-230 will give Ukrainian forces a better ability for precision strikes.
The multiple rocket launcher (MBRL) system, made by the Turkish company Rokestan, is reportedly in use by the Ukrainian military. Laser-guided 230mm TRLG-230 missiles are mounted on the system.
The 227mm M30/M31 missile that the Ukrainian Army obtained from the US and other nations for use with the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and related derivatives, such the MLRS M270, and the TRLG-230 are quite similar to one another. The M30/M31 can’t strike dynamic targets, however the TRLG-230 can because of its laser detector.
The independent open source analysis group Oryx, which keeps track of military aid to Ukraine, tweeted the first news about Ukraine obtaining MBRL and TRLG-230.
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry was one of two places where Oryx obtained his information. Before the US agreed to send HIMARS to Kiev this spring, sources claim that Turkey sent MBRL and TRLG-230 to the Ukraine.
According to anonymous sources quoted by Middle East Eye last week, Turkey has given the Ukrainian military at least 50 TRLG-230 rockets and an undetermined number of launchers. It’s unclear if these launchers and rockets were sold directly to Ukraine or were given to them as military assistance.
The independent open source analysis group that keeps track of Ukraine’s military aid revealed the first information about the country acquiring MBRL and TRLG-230 on its website.
Two sources within the Ukrainian Defense Ministry provided the information. Before the US agreed to send HIMARS to Kiev this spring, sources claim that Turkey sent MBRL and TRLG-230 to the Ukraine.
According to anonymous sources quoted by militarycognizance.com last week, Turkey has given the Ukrainian military at least 50 TRLG-230 rockets and an undetermined number of launchers. It’s unclear if these launchers and rockets were sold directly to Ukraine or were given to them as military assistance.
Improve Ukraine’s precision strike capabilities
Both the MBRL system and the TRLG-230 missile will be significant upgrades to Ukraine’s arsenal. The TRG-230 missile has an additional laser detector, making the TRLG-230 a variant of the TRG-230 missile. There is a 70 km maximum range for both the TRLG-230 and the TRG-230.
Unlike the missiles Kiev can use with its HIMARS and MLRS launchers, the TRLG-230 will give Ukrainian forces access to precision-guided strike capability.
The M30/M31 missile used in the HIMARS and MLRS launchers has a range that is equal to that of the TRLG-230, but it can only be guided by a GPS-enabled inertial navigation system (INS), which limits its effectiveness to fixed targets.
The TRLG-230 can strike targets that are moving with laser guidance. The TRLG-230’s laser detector needs a way to “locate” the target, whether it’s moving or still, but Ukraine has the means to do so. The Turkish TB2 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is especially well suited for “aiming” at moving targets for the TRLG-230. This function can also be carried out by soldiers on the ground using portable laser aiming devices.
In terms of logistics, the TRLG-230 line of precision-guided missiles is also useful as a replacement for the M30/M31 used with the HIMARS/MLRS launcher, particularly in light of the Western stockpiles’ declining levels.
The MBRL and TRLG-230 launchers can be mounted on the Kamaz-65224 chassis, a 6×6 made in Russia, so if the information about the Ukrainian forces receiving them from Turkey is accurate, this appears to be a decision that will surprise many people.
Roketsan previously sold these platforms to Azerbaijan and Bangladesh and has export versions of the MBRL that run on both 6×6 and 8×8 Kamaz trucks.
Turkey has attempted to serve as a mediator between the two parties ever since the Russian-Ukrainian dispute broke out in February. On the other hand, Turkey, a NATO member, also gave Baykar permission to deliver several drones to Ukraine.
Roketsan SUNGUR short-range air defence missiles as well as undisclosed Turkish electronic warfare devices have been delivered to or are anticipated to be delivered to Ukrainian military. The SUNGUR can be launched using an air-to-air system, mobile launchers, or launchers mounted on vehicles. SUNGUR can be launched by Ukraine from the TB2 UAV.
There may not be much visual proof of Turkey transferring TRLG-230 to Kiev due to potential political sensitivities surrounding Kiev’s use of Russian Kamaz truck-mounted launchers.
The transfer of TRLG-230 has not yet been confirmed by Turkey or Ukraine.
