OVERVIEW: The 300mm 9M55K5 is an unguided, fin- and spin-stabilized artillery rocket designed for use with the BM-30 Smerch multiple launch rocket system. It is equipped with a dual-purpose improved conventional munition (DPICM) warhead intended for anti-armor and anti-personnel area effects.

DETAILS: The 9M55K5 is part of the 9M55-series of long-range artillery rockets developed by the Soviet Union for the BM-30 Smerch (9A52) system. It features a 300mm diameter, solid-propellant motor, and aerodynamic stabilization via wraparound fins and spin during flight. The rocket has a maximum range of approximately 70 km and is designed to saturate wide areas with submunitions. The K5 variant carries 72 dual-purpose HEAT-fragmentation submunitions capable of penetrating light armor and delivering lethal blast effects against troops in the open or in cover.

Each submunition (type 9N235 or equivalent) includes a shaped charge for armor penetration and fragmentation casing for personnel damage. Submunitions are ejected at pre-set altitudes and dispersed over an elliptical footprint, ensuring high area coverage. The 9M55K5 is launched from 12-tube BM-30 vehicles using integrated inertial navigation for improved accuracy over legacy systems. Its modular design allows interchangeability with other 9M55-series rockets.

In combat deployment, the rocket is preloaded and launched via the BM-30's onboard fire control system, with mission parameters uploaded digitally. Launch salvos are executed rapidly to overwhelm enemy positions and minimize counter-battery risk. The 9M55K5 is optimized for deep strikes on enemy concentrations, logistics hubs, and advancing formations in open terrain.

NOTE:
IOC: 1989
Operators: Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Algeria, India, Syria, Turkmenistan
Platforms: BM-30 Smerch (9A52), 9A52-2, domestically adapted launchers (India)
Conflict used in: Second Chechen War (1999), Syrian Civil War (2015–), Ukraine War (2022–)

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/