ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine

Mini-Grad multiple rocket launcher systems in Ukraine's southeastern Zaporizhzhia region are being used intensively by the Ukrainian military against Russian positions.

"I can't say that Mini-Grads are something very new for us. We have been using this type of weapon for about a year. The purpose of using them is that they are more mobile. The fact that they are less noticeable on the front line and can get closer to forward positions also provides an advantage," a Ukrainian officer with the callsign "Gall" told Anadolu.

Indicating that the rockets launched by Mini-Grad systems can reach a range of up to 40 kilometers (24.8 miles), Gall said that they generally used the multi-barreled system that can fire up to 20 kilometers (12.4 miles).

Gall further said that his team fires at targets at a distance of 10 to 15 kilometers (6.2 to 9.3 miles) and that the rockets fired by Mini-Grads are heavy.

"To hit a target 20 kilometers away, rockets weighing 60-70 kilograms are used in Mini-Grads with explosive ammunition," he said.

Also stating the Ukrainian army uses such systems very actively, Gall added that they used the Mini-Grads to shoot at points that mortars cannot reach.

"There are enough Mini-Grads in our brigade. Naturally, they are an integral part of the army and positively affect the course of the war," he said.

* Writing by Burc Eruygur