South Africa began development of an indigenous multiple rocket launcher in 1977 as a counter to the various Soviet systems in service with neighbouring African countries. The Valkiri entered service in 1981, deployed in batteries of eight, to be used against guerrilla camps, troop concentrations and soft-skinned vehicle convoys. Mounted on a 4 x 4 SAMIL truck chassis, the entire load of twenty-four 127mm rockets could be fired in just 24 seconds with a minimal launch signature. The rockets had a maximum range of 22km (13.67 miles) and the entire system could be reloaded in under 10-minutes. The Valkiri proved to be highly mobile and ideal for cross-border raids and counter-insurgency work, especially as the launcher tubes could be easily camouflaged to allow the system to masquerade as a normal truck.
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