Moscow, Nov 20 (IANS/RIA Novosti): Russia is developing new long-range multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) with improved guidance that could allow them to strike targets up to 200 km away, the defence ministry's artillery spokesman said.

"We have the military-technical potential to create a new generation of MLRS with a range of 200 km," said Lt. Col. Nikolai Donyushkin.

Russia's artillery currently deploys the 122-mm Grad, 220-mm Uragan, and 300-mm Smerch rocket systems, and the improved Tornado-S, Tornado-G, and Uragan 1-M are currently undergoing state acceptance trials.

The army is in the process of receiving up to 30 Tornado-G systems this year, replacing the BM-21 Grad.

The improved Tornado-S is being upgraded with the special GLONASS satellite navigation system used in the Smerch missile system, Donyushkin said.

The Tornado-S will have guided rocket rounds enabling it to fire out to 120 km.

"The Tornado-S will have a longer range and increased effectiveness thanks to greater accuracy and the use of new warhead payloads and a reduced launch readiness time of just three minutes," he said.

The army is gradually moving toward a new level of capability for deploying precision use of long-range rocket artillery, he said.

"Massed use of high-precision weapons makes it possible to be certain of destroying high-value targets before they can be used on the battlefield by main-force groups. Fewer rounds need to be fired, simplifying logistics," he added.