OVERVIEW: The BM-14-17 is an unguided, short-range, surface-launched artillery rocket system designed for naval fire support against coastal targets. It fires 140mm high-explosive fragmentation rockets using fixed or turreted deck launchers, typically mounted on amphibious and landing support ships.

DETAILS: The BM-14-17 is a navalized version of the Soviet BM-14 system, where "BM" stands for Boyevaya Mashina (Combat Vehicle), "14" indicates the original launcher series for 140mm caliber rockets, and "17" indicates the number of launch tubes.
 The rocket is fin-stabilized and unguided, with typical ranges from 9 km to 10.5 km depending on warhead and propellant type. Warheads are usually high-explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG), with an approximate payload weight of 18 to 20 kg. The system is designed for rapid saturation fire to suppress infantry, fortifications, or light materiel near landing zones.

In this naval version, such as that deployed on Polnochny-class landing ships, the system is mounted in deck-based launchers with corrosion-resistant finishes and adapted mounts. Launch control is simplified for maritime operations, often with analog or semi-automated electric fire control linked to ship navigation.

The rockets are typically preloaded in their launch tubes and fired in rapid succession. Aiming is done by orienting the ship or using limited traverse and elevation control on launcher mounts. Salvoes are employed during amphibious operations to soften beach defenses or deliver suppression fire ahead of landing forces.

NOTE:
IOC: 1959
Operators: USSR (historical), Syria, Vietnam, North Korea, Poland, Egypt
Platforms: SDK Polnochny-class, other landing ships and coastal fire platforms
Conflict used in: Yom Kippur War (1973), Vietnam War (1960s–1975), Syrian Civil War (2011–present)

SOURCE:
U.S. Navy Weapon Systems Explosive Ordnance Disposal publication ; Jane’s Weapons: Naval ; Department of Defense: https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Publications ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS): https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/bm-