Western military media are actively discussing the latest multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) presented to Russian President Vladimir Putin in September 2025 "Sarma." A 300-mm heavy launcher mounted on a KamAZ-63501 armored chassis was demonstrated to the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces at the Motovilikhsky Plants plant during his visit to Perm.
As you know, one of the problems of intensive use of MLRS on the battlefield is the duration of the recharge stage. After completing the firing task, the MLRS quickly leave the position to avoid counter-battery fire, and then go to the reload site. Reloading the earlier 300 mm MLRS "Smerch" (12 guides) based on the old MAZ chassis, even under favorable conditions, takes at least 18 minutes, since each barrel has to be reloaded in turn. The new MLRS is designed to solve this problem.
300-mm MLRS 9A55 "Sarma" in the deployed state with the PU raised and two hydraulic stabilizers extended from the rear.
The latest Russian 300-mm six-barrel MLRS 9A55 Sarma (9A55-E in the export version) is installed on the new KamAZ 63501 off-road platform with an 8x8 wheelbase. The platform is equipped with a front-mounted cockpit and provides level 1 protection according to the NATO STANAG 4569 standard (export version). The cabin is equipped with the latest inertial navigation system and satellite navigation, supporting GLONASS, GPS, BeiDou and Galileo.
The main performance characteristics of the Sarma MLRS
The crew cabin is fully air-conditioned, so the system can be used at high ambient temperatures, typical, for example, in the Middle East region. A central tire pumping system is included as standard, which allows the driver to adjust the pressure in all eight wheels depending on the terrain, which is especially convenient in desert or rough terrain conditions.
The total mass of the launcher with a crew and a loaded container is 28 tons, and the maximum speed on the highway is 95 km/h with a power reserve of up to 1000 km.
Both the PU and its accompanying transport and loading vehicle (TZM) for reloading missiles based on the KAMAZ 63501 with an 8x8 wheel formula are equipped with two hydraulically driven stabilizers that lower in the rear before firing or, in the case of a reloading vehicle, before reloading.
After all six missiles are used up, the TZM (equipped with a hydraulic crane in the rear of the cabin) drives up to the firing position, the spent container is removed and replaced with a new, fully loaded one weighing about 7.4 tons, after which it is possible to start firing at targets again.
The Sarma MLRS allows a full salvo of six 300-mm rockets to be fired in 18 seconds and provides higher accuracy (no more than 0.21%), since the installation is equipped with an autonomous trajectory correction system for rockets.
According to the general contractor, pitch and yaw flight correction is based on fire control system signals coming from the gas dynamic system.
MLRS "Sarma" transport and charging machine
A full range of unguided and guided missiles is available, the same as those used in the much older 9K515 Smerch and Tornado-S wheeled MLRS systems.
The maximum and minimum firing range depends on the type of ammunition. Thus, the guided 9M543 projectile with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead is effective at a range of 30 to 120 km.
The 9M549 unguided missile has the same range and carries 72 submunitions, while the 9M55F and 9M528 are equipped with a jumping high-explosive fragmentation warhead. The range of the latter is from 25 to 90 km.
In addition to the launcher and the remotely controlled spacecraft, a complete system can be provided to the foreign customer, including the Supercam S350 NG UAV and the corresponding ground control station, as well as vehicles for maintenance and spare parts.
According to official statements, the Sarma MLRS is part of a large-scale modernization program of the Russian artillery forces aimed at increasing survivability, accuracy and speed of ammunition delivery.
The Sarma MLRS, with six firing tubes, less ammunition and increased mobility, represents the next stage in the development of Russian heavy rocket artillery. According to the developers, the balance of firepower and mobility of the system makes it more adaptable to modern conditions of warfare.
Source: Shepard
