Shumadia Multiple Launch Rocket System

The Shumadia multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) was unveiled by Yugoimport at the Partner 2017 international defence fair. Image courtesy of Srđan Popović.

The Shumadia MLRS vehicle is manned by a crew of four members. Image courtesy of Srđan Popović.

Jerina 1 and Jerina 2 missiles were showcased at the Eurosatory 2018 defence exhibition held in Paris in June 2018. Image courtesy of Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Serbia.

Shumadia is a modular self-propelled multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) designed and manufactured by Yugoimport, a Serbian defence company.

The new MLRS is intended to address the artillery needs of the Serbian Armed Forces. It integrates next-generation technologies to deliver superior combat performance.

The Shumadia MLRS was unveiled at the Partner 2017 international armament fair held in Belgrade, Serbia, in June 2017. It was also displayed at the Eurosatory 2018 defence exhibition held in Paris in June 2018.

The new-generation MLRS is designed to destroy the enemy point and area targets. Its rapid response and target tracking capabilities enable the engagement of time-critical targets such as air defence systems, military infrastructure, base camps, training facilities, command centres, warehouse facilities, harbours, communication systems, air defence systems, and land-based rocket launch systems.

Shumadia weapon system design and development

Shumadia is designed to carry and launch fire-support artillery rockets. The weapon system can be configured to launch up to either four or eight missiles based on the operating conditions and mission requirements.

The launch system is stationed at the rear end of an 8×8 truck. It houses steel container modules that enclose the guided and unguided rockets. Each module can house two rockets stowed in tubes.

The crew cabin is made of reinforced materials to protect the four-man crew against small arms and shell splinters. The cabin further offers protection against fragmentation effect caused by ballistic missiles. The seating positions for the commander and operator are located in a cabin behind the driver’s cab.

The Shumadia MLRS has the capability to fire both guided and unguided munitions. It can launch a GPS guided rocket, Jerina 1 (J1); and an unguided rocket, Jerina 2 (J2). J1 has a maximum range of 285km, while J2 can destroy targets within a 70km range.

Launch system specifications

The weapon system features two container modules placed side by side, with each module housing two rocket launch tubes. A utility vehicle lifting device is used to place the container on the launching platform.

The rotary launch platform comprises elevation and azimuth platforms driven by an electric motor with reduction gears.

The launch of the rockets takes place at an azimuth angle of ±30°, while the maximum angle for the rocket launch is 48°. The container is brought back to the initial position by the lifting device, upon completion of the launch sequence.

Shumadia can support multiple configurations based on the mission requirements. It can be configured with two to four tube launchers firing two J1 missiles. It can fire 12 J2 unguided missiles, when fitted with four modules with three tube launchers each.

Shumadia MLRS rocket warheads

The J1 guided ammunition carries a 200kg high-explosive (HE) fragmentation warhead, while the J2 is fitted with a 110kg HE/fragmentation type warhead.

The J1 weighs 1,550kg, while the launch system with two rockets weighs approximately 4,200kg.

Navigation and fire-control systems

The J2 rocket uses inertial navigation system (INS) and digital traverse and elevation encoders to track and engage the targets. The navigation and orientation equipment on the weapon system is based on a GPS system.

The rocket system integrates fully-autonomous fire control and command-information systems, which enable the integration of the vehicle into a modern network-centric battlefield.

Shumadia MLRS vehicle details

The Shumadia MLRS is based on KAMAZ 8×8 wheeled chassis, which is also used for the Nora B-52 self-propelled howitzer. The vehicle has a maximum carrying capacity of 38t and offers high mobility and superior off-road performance. It also features a central tire inflation system and run-flat inserts.

The vehicle has a maximum range of 600km and can travel at a maximum speed of 100km/h.