MLRS
Avibras Astros II
Astros II is a Brazilian multiple-launch rocket system made by Avibras of São José dos Campos, in service since 1983. It fires rockets from 127 mm up to 300 mm at ranges from 9 to 90 km and is Brazil’s most successful defence export.
Brazil|AvibrasOverview
Avibras developed Astros II in the late 1970s and the system entered service in 1983. It fires a modular family of rockets: the SS-30 (127 mm, 30 km), SS-40 and SS-60 (180 mm, 40 and 60 km) and the SS-80 (300 mm, 90 km). The launcher sits on a 6×6 Tatra 815 truck, and the Mk 6 carries up to 32 SS-30, 16 SS-40, or 4 SS-60 or SS-80 rockets. Fire control, reload and radar vehicles support each battery.
Brazil’s Army and Marine Corps operate Astros, as do Saudi Arabia (reportedly 40 or more launchers), Qatar, the UAE, Morocco, Angola, Indonesia, Malaysia and Bahrain. Iraq bought the system in the 1980s, and Saudi Arabia used it in the 1991 Gulf War. The Astros 2020 programme adds a new launcher and precision rockets, but Avibras entered court-supervised recovery in 2022, and production has been hampered by financial trouble. A launcher system costs an estimated 5 to 7 million dollars.
Key Specifications
Variants
The Astros II Mk 3 is an earlier launcher variant fielding the SS-30, SS-40 and SS-60 rocket family.
The Astros II Mk 6 carries up to 32 SS-30 rockets, 16 SS-40, or 4 SS-60 or SS-80 rockets.
Astros 2020 is the Brazilian Army modernisation with the AV-LMU launcher, new fire control and precision rockets.
Operators
Brazil
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
Morocco
Angola
Indonesia
Malaysia
BahrainFrequently Asked Questions
What is the range of Astros II?
Astros II has a range from 9 km up to 90 km depending on the rocket. The SS-80 rocket reaches 90 km, and the AV-TM 300 tactical cruise missile is commonly cited at 300 km.
Which countries use the Astros II?
Astros II is used by Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Morocco, Angola, Indonesia and Malaysia, with Bahrain reported. Iraq bought it in the 1980s.
How much does an Astros II cost?
An Astros II launcher system costs an estimated 5 to 7 million US dollars. The final price depends on the rockets, support vehicles and radar included.
Astros II vs HIMARS: which is better?
Astros II and HIMARS suit different needs. HIMARS is lighter, carries a smaller load and uses US precision rockets, while Astros II offers more rocket types, from 127 mm to 300 mm, and ranges up to 90 km.
Which Arab countries have Astros II?
Saudi Arabia is the main Arab operator of Astros II, with an estimated 40 or more launchers. Qatar, the UAE, Morocco and Bahrain also use it, and Iraq bought it in the 1980s.
Is Avibras still producing Astros?
Avibras entered court-supervised recovery in 2022, which has hampered Astros production. Talks over Brazilian state support continued in 2023 to 2025, according to reports.