Russia orders new Sarma rocket launchers
The Russian military has ordered two battalions of the new Sarma mobile precision-guided multiple launch rocket system (MLRS), according to leaked procurement documents obtained by Ukrainian defense outlet Militarnyi.
The 300mm Sarma, developed by Motovilikha Plants and mounted on a KamAZ-63501 8×8 chassis, was officially unveiled earlier this year as part of Russia’s effort to field more mobile and precise long-range firepower. The documents reveal that in 2024, the Russian military contracted for 12 launcher vehicles and an equal number of transport-loading vehicles.
Each Sarma launcher is priced at 155 million rubles (approximately $1.9 million), while the transport-loading vehicles cost 64 million rubles each. This places the new system slightly above the unit cost of the heavier Tornado-S system, which was procured in parallel.
“In reaction to the battlefield impact of U.S.-supplied HIMARS systems, the Russian Ministry of Defense launched its own project to develop a mobile precision-guided rocket system,” said Militarnyi journalist Oleksandr Yan.
The Sarma is based on design concepts from the previously shelved “Kama” project. The final system includes a six-tube launcher and a reduced combat weight, nearly 10 tons lighter than the 33-ton Tornado-S. The more compact launcher, combined with a fully armored crew cabin and a modern automated fire control system, is intended to provide greater survivability and mobility in contested environments.
The Sarma program reflects Russia’s broader move to adapt its artillery forces for high-precision engagements under increased counter-battery threats. The new configuration emphasizes weight reduction, tactical agility, and integration with digital fire direction systems.
Russian media began referencing a new high-precision 300mm system as early as 2023. The full prototype was revealed two years later at Motovilikha’s production facility, marking the platform’s first public appearance. Officials claimed the new system would introduce a more compact and rapid-fire capability without compromising range or accuracy.
While full production timelines have not been publicly confirmed, the order suggests the system could be fielded by late 2025 or early 2026. The two-battalion purchase indicates the military’s intention to operationally test Sarma in combat conditions, potentially in Ukraine, where Russian artillery has played a central role in long-range targeting and suppression.
