PHL-16 vs BM-30 Smerch: how to tell them apart

Two rocket artillery that are easy to mix up at a glance. Here is what tells them apart.

PHL-16

Rocket artillery, China. In service since 2019

What gives it away

Large 8x8 truck carrying two big box-shaped launch pods on the back that can hold different rocket sizes.

Used by

China

BM-30 Smerch

Rocket artillery, Soviet Union. In service since 1989

What gives it away

Very long eight-wheeled MAZ truck carrying 12 large rocket tubes in a block that extends past the rear.

Used by

Russia, Ukraine and others

Where they differ

What they share

These won’t tell them apart.

• Wheeled
• Rockets

PHL-16 · BM-30 Smerch · All guides