View source for 9K52 Luna-M

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = 9K52 Luna-M
| image              = Luna m frog 7 hameenlinna 1.jpg
| caption            = 9P113 TEL with 9M21 rocket
| origin             = Soviet Union
| type               = Artillery rocket
<!-- Type selection -->
| is_artillery       = yes
| is_missile         = yes
| is_vehicle         = yes
<!-- Service history -->
| service            = 1962–present
| used_by            =
| wars               = {{bulleted list
  |[[Yom Kippur War]]
  |[[Soviet–Afghan War]]
  |[[Iran–Iraq War]]
  |[[Lebanese Civil War]]
  |[[Gulf War]]
  |[[Yugoslav Wars]]
  |[[2003 invasion of Iraq]]
  |[[Libyan Civil War (2011)|Libyan Civil War]]
  |[[Syrian Civil War]]
  |[[Yemeni Civil War (2014–present)]]
  }}
<!-- Production history -->
| designer           =
| design_date        =
| manufacturer       =
| unit_cost          =
| production_date    =
| number             =
| variants           = 9M21B (nuclear), 9M21F (HE) and 9M21G (chemical), Laith-90
<!-- General specifications -->
| spec_label         = 9M21B
| weight             = {{convert|2.5|t|st|abbr=on}}<ref name=SRAADP59>Soviet/Russian Armor and Artillery Design Practices: 1945-1995. (1995). United States: Marine Corps Intelligence Activity. V-59</ref>
| length             = {{convert|8950|-|9400|mm|abbr=on}}<ref name=SRAADP59/>
| part_length        =
| width              = {{convert|1700|mm|abbr=on}}<ref name=SRAADP59/>
| height             =
| diameter           = {{convert|544|mm|abbr=on}}<ref name=SRAADP59/>
| crew               = 4<ref name=SRAADP59/>
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
| cartridge          =
| cartridge_weight   =
| caliber            =
| barrels            =
| action             =
| rate               =
| velocity           =
| range              = 
| max_range          = {{convert|65|km|mi|abbr=on}}<ref name=SRAADP59/>
| feed               =
| sights             =
<!-- Explosive specifications -->
| filling            = High explosive, chemical, nuclear
| filling_weight     = 420 - 457 kg<ref name=SRAADP59/>
| detonation         =
| yield              =
<!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->
| armour             =
| primary_armament   =
| secondary_armament =
| engine             =
| engine_power       =
| pw_ratio           =
| transmission       =
| payload_capacity   =
| suspension         =
| clearance          =
| fuel_capacity      =
| vehicle_range      =
| speed              = Mach 3
| guidance           =
| steering           =
<!-- Missiles only -->
| wingspan           =
| propellant         =
| ceiling            =
| altitude           =
| depth              =
| boost              =
| accuracy           =
| launch_platform    = 8 x 8 ZIL-135 missile launcher
| transport          =
}}

The '''9K52 ''Luna-M''''' ({{langx|ru|Луна}}, {{langx|en|[[Moon]]}}; [[NATO reporting name]]: '''Frog-7''') is a [[USSR|Soviet]] short-range [[artillery rocket]] system which fires unguided and [[Spin-stabilisation|spin-stabilized]] '''9M21''' rockets. It was originally developed in the 1960s to provide [[Division (military unit)|divisional]] artillery support using [[tactical nuclear weapon]]s but gradually modified for conventional use. The 9K52 was succeeded by the [[OTR-21 Tochka]].

==Description==
Originally called the '''3R-11''' and '''9R11''', the 9M21 is a [[Rocket propellant#Solid chemical propellants|solid fuel]] rocket, with four off-angle vernier chambers immediately behind the warhead section. When the main engine section ignites, the verniers activate to start spinning the rocket, to improve stability and accuracy. At range, the 9M21 has a nominal CEP ([[circular error probable]]) of 400 meters.<ref name=SRAADP57>Soviet/Russian Armor and Artillery Design Practices: 1945-1995. (1995). United States: Marine Corps Intelligence Activity. V-57</ref><ref name=SRAADP58>Soviet/Russian Armor and Artillery Design Practices: 1945-1995. V-58</ref> Western intelligence estimated that its CEP at maximum range was 500 to 700 meters. Russian sources admit the likely impact point could fall anywhere within an area 2.8 kilometers in depth from range error, and 1.8 kilometers in width in azimuth error.<ref name=SRAADP66>Soviet/Russian Armor and Artillery Design Practices: 1945-1995. V-66</ref>

The initial 3R-11 rocket, known also by its military designation '''R-65''' (NATO: '''Frog-7A'''), measures 8,900&nbsp;mm in length. It was replaced in 1968 with an improved '''R-70''' (NATO: '''Frog-7B''') which measures 9,400&nbsp;mm. This new variant allows for switching warhead sections and the addition of air brakes at the rear of the rocket, lowering the minimum range to {{convert|15|km|abbr=on}}.<ref name=SRAADP59/><ref name=SRAADP58/>

The rocket is mounted on a [[transporter erector launcher]] (TEL), designated '''9P113'''. Based on the [[ZIL-135]]LM 8x8 truck, it features a large hydraulic crane to allow faster reloading.<ref name=SRAADP57/> The '''9T29''' transporter, also based on the ZIL-135RTM chassis, can carry up to three 9M21 rockets.<ref name=SRAADP58/>

In addition to its inaccuracy, the fact that the rocket was exposed to the weather was another drawback to the system, particularly when equipped with temperature-sensitive nuclear ordnance. In the early 1960s, the Soviets experimented with a modified 9P113 launch vehicle with a fully-enclosed superstructure and launch roof.  This did not solve the issue entirely, necessitating the development of the Tochka.<ref name=SRAADP66/>

==Operation==
In Soviet service, the Luna-M was organized into [[battalion]]s to provide divisions with rocket artillery support.  Each battalion was organized with a headquarters battery and two firing batteries.  Total complement included 20 [[Officer (armed forces)|officers]], 160 [[enlisted personnel]], four 9P113 launchers and, on average, seven rockets per launcher.<ref name=SRAADP58/>

The headquarters battery numbered about 80 personnel and provided the battalion with command and logistical support.  Vehicles included 4 9T29 transporter vehicles, a 9T31M1 crane vehicle ([[Ural-375]]D), an RM-1 maintenance complex (3 [[ZIL-157]]s), an RVD-1 optical maintenance vehicle (Ural-375D) and a PKPP maintenance/check vehicle ([[ZIL-131]]).<ref name=SRAADP58/>

Each firing battery was organized with a headquarters, a meteorological section, a survey section, and two firing sections.  The headquarters included a 9S445M command vehicle: a [[GAZ-66]] truck with attached shelter containing fire control computer, radios and telephones.  The meteorological section operated the RVS-1 Malakhit and a RMS-1 meteorological radar in the 1970s. They later upgraded to a RMS-1 End Tray radar, supported by an auxiliary power unit, each towed by a GAZ-66.  The survey section used a [[GAZ-69]]TM/TMG/TMG-2, GAZ-66T or [[UAZ-452]]T for launch site preparation.  Each firing section consisted of a single 9P113.<ref name=SRAADP58/>

Preparing the launcher to fire could take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. Launch sites were generally located 20 to 25 kilometers behind the [[front line]].  It was the longest-ranged artillery system available to a division commander and typically reserved for special missions. Because the rocket's inaccuracy at long range made the use of conventional warheads insufficient, barring a large and vital target, the system was more useful deploying specialized warheads.<ref name=SRAADP58/>

==History==
In October 1962, a number of Luna missiles, and 12 compatible 2-kiloton nuclear warheads, were deployed with Soviet forces in [[Cuba]] during the [[Cuban Missile Crisis|missile crisis]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Dobbs |first1=Michael |title=One minute to midnight : Kennedy, Khrushchev, and Castro on the brink of nuclear war |date=2008 |publisher=Alfred A. Knopf |location=New York |isbn=9781400043583 |edition=1st}}</ref>

The Luna was later extensively deployed throughout some [[Warsaw Pact]] countries and other Soviet allies. The rocket has been widely exported, and is now in the possession of a large number of countries.

=== Afghanistan ===
In 1985, the [[Soviet Army]] started deploying Frog-7B systems armed with [[high explosive]] and [[cluster warhead]]s against villages as part of an effort to deny food supplies for the [[Afghan mujahideen]].{{sfn|Foss|2011|page=1088}} In 1989, it was revealed that the Soviet Union supplied the Afghan Army with Frog-7 launchers and expired Frog-7A and Frog-7B rounds from Soviet stockpiles to replace the 1,000-odd Scud-B delivered and fired against the rebel forces.{{sfn|Foss|2011|page=1088}}

=== Syria ===
In its first use in combat, [[Syrian Army|Syrian forces]] fired a Frog-7 barrage at [[Galilee]] on 7 October and 8 October 1973, during the [[Yom Kippur War]]. Although aimed at Israeli air bases such as [[Ramat David Airbase|Ramat David]], the rockets struck several Israeli settlements. These unintended attacks on civilians gave Israel an excuse to launch a sustained air campaign inside Syria itself.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/escalationintraw0000terr|url-access=registration|title=Escalation and Intrawar Deterrence During Limited Wars in the Middle East|last=Terrill|first=W. Andrew|date=2009|publisher=Strategic Studies Institute|isbn=978-1-58487-406-5|pages=[https://archive.org/details/escalationintraw0000terr/page/38 38]|language=en}}</ref>

Starting in 2012, during the [[Syrian Civil War]], the Syrian Army fired several Frog-7 rockets against areas under the control of different insurgent formations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://aoav.org.uk/2013/syrias-dirty-dozen-luna-mfrog-7/|title=Syria's 'Dirty Dozen': The Luna-M/Frog-7|date=23 September 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318172842/http://aoav.org.uk/2013/syrias-dirty-dozen-luna-mfrog-7/|archive-date=18 March 2017|access-date=18 March 2017}}</ref>

=== Iraq ===
Iraq made intensive use of Frog-7 rockets in [[Iran–Iraq War|the war with Iran (1980-1988)]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170123134152/https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP88T00096R000100120003-6.pdf Iran-Iraq: Ballistic Missile Warfare and its Regional Implications] CIA Directorate of Intelligence - 2 July 2012</ref> After the war with Iran, Iraq modified its remaining stock of 9M21s by extending their range to 100 kilometres, improving their precision by installing a [[gyroscope]], and fitting submunition-carrying warheads, under a project code-named al-Laith.<ref name="al hussein p39">{{cite book |last1=Altobchi |first1=Ali |last2=Cooper |first2=Tom |last3=Fontanellaz |first3=Adrien |title=Al-Hussein: Iraqi indigenous conventional arms projects, 1980-2003 |date=2022 |publisher=Helion & Company Publishing |location=Warwick, UK |isbn=978-1-914377-18-1 |page=39}}</ref> On 21 February 1991, during operation [[Gulf War|Desert Storm]], [[Armed Forces of Senegal|Senegalese]] troops were hit hard by a Laith-90. Eight Senegalese soldiers were wounded in action and one vehicle disabled<ref>[http://www.moqatel.com/openshare/Behoth/IraqKwit/37/sec35.doc_cvt.htm Joint Forces Command and Theater of Operations. Military Statement No. (35). 7 Shaaban 1411 AH corresponding to February 21, 1991 AD (In arabic)]</ref> as a result<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vwlJAQAAIAAJ&q=Frog+troops+wounded+1991+Senegalese+21+February&pg=RA10-PA7|title=AF Press Clips|last=United States Department of State Bureau of African Affairs|date=1991|pages=7|language=en}}</ref>

During the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the Headquarters of the 2nd Brigade, US 3rd Infantry Division, [[Tactical Operations Center]] (TOC) of U.S Col. [[David G. Perkins|David Perkins]], was targeted and struck by either an Iraqi Frog-7<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.toledoblade.com/World/2003/05/11/Engineers-quietly-do-job-face-deadly-missile-strike.html|title=Engineers quietly do job, face deadly missile strike|website=Toledo Blade|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602201752/http://www.toledoblade.com/World/2003/05/11/Engineers-quietly-do-job-face-deadly-missile-strike.html|archive-date=2 June 2014|access-date=2015-12-29}}</ref> rocket or an [[Ababil-100|Ababil-100 SSM]] missile, killing three soldiers and two embedded journalists. Another 14 soldiers were injured, and 22 vehicles destroyed or seriously damaged, most of them [[Humvee]]s.<ref>"He (Lt. Col. Wesley, second in command) had gotten only thirty feet from his vehicle when a powerful ''Abril'' (sic) missile hit it dead center." Lacey, Jim:''Takedown: the 3rd Infantry Division's twenty-one day assault on Baghdad.'' Naval Institute Press, 2007, page 243. {{ISBN|1-59114-458-2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=Thunder Run: The Armored Strike to Capture Baghdad|last=Zucchino|first=David|publisher=Grove Press|year=2004|pages=162}}</ref>

=== Yugoslavia ===
In the [[Yugoslav Wars]], Serb forces launched Frog-7 rockets on a number of Croatian forces, like [[Orašje]], a Croatian military stronghold, on the outskirts of [[Županja|Zupanja]],<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Serbs Fired Surface-to-Surface Missile at Zupanja|date=12 December 1992|journal=FBIS Daily Report: East Europe |issue=241–252|publisher=The Service}}</ref> on 2 December 1992, where several civilians were killed,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zupanjac.net/na-danasnji-dan-2-12|title=Na današnji dan 2.12.|last=Županjac|date=2019-12-02|website=Županjac.net|language=hr|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> and the military airport [[Zagreb]], on 11 September 1993, while the [[Operation Medak Pocket|battle of Medak Pocket]] was still going on.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Chance of War: Canadian Soldiers in the Balkans, 1992–1995|last=Wood|first=John|publisher=Dundurn|year=2003|isbn=1-55002-426-4|pages=[https://archive.org/details/chanceofwarcanad0000unse/page/107 107]|url=https://archive.org/details/chanceofwarcanad0000unse/page/107}}</ref>

Between April and October 1992, [[Army of Republika Srpska|Bosnian Serb]] forces fired 14  Frog-7 rockets at the Croatian city of [[Slavonski Brod]], during [[Operation Corridor 92]].<ref>*{{cite book |title=Rat u Bosanskoj Posavini 1992. |language=hr |trans-title=War in Bosnian Posavina 1992 |isbn=978-953-6357-86-4 |publisher=Posavska Hrvatska |location=Slavonski Brod, Croatia |first=Jerko |last=Zovak |year=2009 |pages=515, 520}}</ref>

=== Libya ===
[[RAF]] jets targeted and destroyed Frog-7 launchers operated by pro-[[Gaddafi]] forces south of [[Sirte]], in the [[2011 Libyan civil war]].<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/library/imint/odyssey-dawn-21.htm UK MOD Operation Ellamy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711151011/http://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/library/imint/odyssey-dawn-21.htm |date=11 July 2011 }} from Global Security website, 9 May 2011</ref>

==Variants==
;9M21B
:Nuclear-armed variant, fitted with one of three warheads. The original AA-22 has a [[variable yield]] of 3, 10 and 20 [[kiloton]]s. The AA-38 is an improved version with the same three settings. The AA-52 has four yields of 5, 10, 20 and 200 kilotons.<ref name=SRAADP58/>
;9M21E
:[[Cluster munition]] variant fitted with a 9N18E dispenser warhead carrying [[shaped charge]] dual-purpose submunitions.<ref name=SRAADP58/>
;9M21F
:Standard variant fitted with a 9N18F [[high explosive]]/[[Fragmentation (weaponry)|fragmentation]] warhead.<ref name=SRAADP58/>
;9M21Kh
:[[Chemical weapon]] variant, the 436kg 9N18kh warhead is fitted with a [[VT fuze]] and carries 216kg of [[VX (nerve agent)|VX nerve agent]].<ref name=SRAADP58/>
;Laith (also Laith-90)
:Iraqi version with increased range (100&nbsp;km), improved accuracy and submunition warhead suitable for attacking troop concentrations.<ref name="al hussein p39" />
;Ra'ad
:Iraqi version with increased range (100&nbsp;km), improved accuracy and submunition warhead suitable for attacking vehicle or infantry columns.<ref name="al hussein p39" />
;Fateh
:Iraqi version with range increased to 150&nbsp;km, improved accuracy and submunition warhead.<ref name="al hussein p39" />
;PV-65
:Training rocket.<ref name=SRAADP58/>

==Operators==
[[File:9K52 operators.png|thumb|400px|A map of 9K52 operators in blue, with former operators in red]]

===Current===

* {{EGY}} − 9 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=348}}
* {{PRK}} − 24 Frog-3, Frog-5, and Frog-7 as of 2024{{sfn|IISS|2024|page=283}}

===Former===
* {{flag|Afghanistan|1980}} − Frog-7A and Frog-7B{{sfn|Foss|2011|page=1088}}
* {{ALG}}{{sfn|Foss|1990|page=737}}
* {{BLR}} − 36 in 2011{{sfn|Foss|2011|page=1089}}
* {{BUL}}{{sfn|Foss|1990|page=737}}
* {{CUB}} − Between 65 and 70 launchers{{sfn|Foss|2011|page=1089}}
* {{CZS}} − 36 in 1990{{sfn|Foss|1990|page=737}}
* {{DDR}}{{sfn|Foss|1990|page=737}} 
* {{HUN}} − 18 in 1990{{sfn|Foss|1990|page=737}}
* {{Flag|Iraq|1963}} – entered service in 1975<ref>{{cite book |last1=Altobchi |first1=Ali |last2=Cooper |first2=Tom |last3=Fontanellaz |first3=Adrien |title=Al-Hussein: Iraqi indigenous conventional arms projects, 1980-2003 |date=2022 |publisher=Helion & Company Publishing |location=Warwick, UK |isbn=978-1-914377-18-1 |page=9}}</ref>
* {{KUW}} – bought in 1977. Captured by the Iraqi Army during the [[Gulf War]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mitzer |first1=Stijn |last2=Oliemans |first2=Joost |title=The Forgotten Deterrent: Kuwait's Luna-M 'FROG-7' Artillery Rockets |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2020/03/kuwaits-little-known-9k52-luna-m-frog-7.html |website=Oryx Blog |date=22 December 2020}}</ref>
* [[Lebanese Forces (militia)|Lebanese Forces]] − 2 launchers{{sfn|Foss|1990|page=737}}
* {{flag|Libya|1977}} − 40 in 2011{{sfn|Foss|2011|page=1089}}
* {{POL}} – 49 launchers, operated between 1966-2001<ref>Robert Rochowicz (2018) (in Polish). ''Rakiety operacyjne i taktyczne w Siłach Zbrojnych PRL''. „Poligon” No. 1/2018(62), p. 61-68, ISSN 1895-3344</ref>
* {{RUS}} − Kept in reserve storage as late as of 2011{{sfn|Foss|2011|page=1089}} 
* {{flag|South Yemen}} – 12 launchers bought from the Soviet Union in 1979<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |title=Hot Skies Over Yemen, Volume 1: Aerial Warfare Over the South Arabian Peninsula, 1962-1994 |date=2017 |publisher=Helion & Company Publishing |location=Solihull, UK |isbn=978-1-912174-23-2 |page=44}}</ref>
* {{SYR}} − 18 in 2011{{sfn|Foss|2011|page=1089}}
* {{USSR}}{{sfn|Foss|1990|page=737}} 
* {{UKR}} − 50 in 2011{{sfn|Foss|2011|page=1089}}
* {{YEM}} − 12 in 2011{{sfn|Foss|2011|page=1089}} 
* {{YUG}} − 8 in 1990{{sfn|Foss|1990|page=737}} 

<gallery>
Luna m frog 7 hameenlinna 4.jpg|A 9M21 missile (Luna M)
9T29 Transporter with 9M21 rocket of 9K52 missile complex «Luna-M» in Military-historical Museum of Artillery, Engineer and Signal Corps in Saint-Petersburg, Russia .jpg|A 9T29 transporter carrying a 9M21 missile for a 9K52 Luna-M missile complex, in the Saint Petersburg Artillery museum
Luna m frog 7 hameenlinna 2.jpg|An East German 9P113 TEL
Luna m frog 7 hameenlinna 3.jpg|A 9P113 TEL of the 9K52 system
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[Fajr-5]]
* [[Falaq-2]]
* [[T-122 Sakarya]]
* [[TOROS artillery rocket system|TOROS]]

==Bibliography==
*{{cite book |editor1-last=Foss |editor1-first=Christopher F |editor1-link=Christopher F Foss |title=Jane's Armour and Artillery 1990-91 |date=1990 |publisher=Jane's Defence Data |location=Surrey |isbn=978-0710609090 |edition=11th |language=en}}
*{{cite book |editor1-last=Foss |editor1-first=Christopher F |title=Jane's Armour and Artillery 2011–2012 |publisher=Janes Information Group |location=Surrey |year=2011 |isbn=978-0-71062-960-9 |pages= |edition=32nd |chapter= |url=https://archive.org/details/janesarmourartil0000unse}}
*{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2024 |date=2024 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-1-040-05115-3 |language=en |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2024}} |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies }}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/frog-7.htm FAS – Military Analysis Network] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304100846/https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/frog-7.htm |date=4 March 2016 }}
* [http://www.history.army.mil/books/www/284a.htm Profile of the Frog 7] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709151202/http://www.history.army.mil///books/www/284a.htm |date=9 July 2017 }} from ''[http://www.history.army.mil/books/www/Wwindx.htm The Whirlwind War] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019112421/http://www.history.army.mil/books/www/Wwindx.htm |date=19 October 2014 }}'' a publication of the [[United States Army Center of Military History]]

{{PostWWIISovietAFVS}}
{{Russian and Soviet military designation sequences}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Rocket artillery]]
[[Category:Unguided nuclear rockets of the Soviet Union]]
[[Category:Cold War weapons of the Soviet Union]]
[[Category:Chemical weapon delivery systems]]
[[Category:Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology products]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1960s]]

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