OVERVIEW: The 9M27F is a 220mm unguided high-explosive fragmentation (HE-Frag) artillery rocket developed for the BM-27 Uragan multiple launch rocket system. It is intended for use against enemy personnel, light vehicles, and field defenses over wide areas.

DETAILS: The 9M27F is a Soviet-designed spin-stabilized HE rocket introduced in the 1970s to support divisional and corps-level artillery operations. It features a solid-propellant motor and aerodynamic stabilizers, providing a range of up to 35 km. The rocket carries a 100 kg HE-Frag warhead fitted with a point-detonating fuze, producing extensive blast and fragmentation effects over a large radius. Its casing is scored internally to optimize lethal fragment dispersion.

The 9M27F delivers higher payload and destructive power compared to 122mm class systems, providing effective suppression of enemy strongpoints, logistical hubs, and troop concentrations. The warhead is designed for maximum area impact, making it a preferred munition for saturation fire missions at extended standoff distances.

Rockets are loaded into 16-round BM-27 launch tubes and fired in single or ripple mode. Fire control is provided by onboard or supporting artillery direction systems. The 9M27F is used in preparatory bombardments, deep fire missions, or to disrupt enemy defensive formations prior to ground assault.

NOTE:
IOC: Late 1970s
Operators: Russia, Belarus, Syria, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Angola, Ukraine, Iraq
Platforms: BM-27 Uragan, Uragan-1M
Conflict used in: Soviet–Afghan War (1980s), Iran–Iraq War (1980–1988), Gulf War (1991), Syrian Civil War (2011–present), Russia–Ukraine War (2022–present)

SOURCE:
U.S. Air Force Armament Museum: https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil ; Jane’s Weapons: Air-Launched ; Department of Defense: https://www.defense.gov, Historical Munition Fact Sheets ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS): https://fas.org ; U.S. Navy Weapon Systems Explosive Ordnance Disposal publication: https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Home/Warfare-Centers/NUWC-Newport/What-We-Do/Undersea-Warfare-Systems/Weapon-Systems/