Sivalka VM-8 is a Ukrainian light multiple rocket launcher that adapts 80 mm S-8 aircraft rockets for ground launch from wheeled vehicles. Open reporting describes 12- or 16-round launcher fits on light trucks and pickups, while Ukrainian military media documents Support Forces CBRN-protection units using the system with thermobaric rockets against Russian positions in the 2014 Russia-Ukraine War.
Ukrainian military media documents Sivalka VM-8 systems used by Support Forces and CBRN-protection troops, including an 80th Air Assault Brigade-associated unit on the Kursk axis in August 2024 and repeated 704th CBRN Protection Brigade combat work in 2025.
Role detailsSivalka VM-8 turns aircraft rocket stocks into a short, mobile ground-fire system rather than a heavy armored thermobaric launcher. Public descriptions vary by chassis and launcher fit, so the strongest record is the repeated pattern: light wheeled vehicles, removable or improvised S-8 rocket launcher blocks, and Ukrainian CBRN-protection troops using thermobaric rockets for close fire support.
Sources describe 12- or 16-round launcher configurations, with the 16-tube fit most often linked to pickup or light truck installations.
Sources: Defence Blog Ukraine develops light rocket launcher; Defense Express Sivalka VM8 analysis; ArmyInform rare flamethrower report.
The system fires 80 mm S-8-family unguided aircraft rockets; public Ukrainian reporting emphasizes thermobaric rounds in the battlefield videos.
Sources: ArmyInform Sivalka Kursk combat work; ArmyInform Lyman Sivalka report; Defense Express Sivalka VM8 analysis.
Defense Express describes a 3-5 minute shoot-and-scoot cycle for the Ford Ranger-mounted configuration, which fits the system's light-vehicle fire-support role.
Source: Defense Express Sivalka VM8 analysis.
Sivalka VM-8 is a ground launcher adaptation for 80 mm S-8-family aircraft rockets rather than a purpose-built heavy thermobaric rocket system.
| Ammunition | Ammunition type | Firing evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | 80 mm unguided rocket family | Defense Express identifies the system as firing thermobaric S-8TR rockets, while ArmyInform reports Sivalka VM-8 fire with thermobaric S-8 rockets or special thermobaric rounds in Ukrainian CBRN-protection unit use. Sources: Defense Express Sivalka VM8 analysis, ArmyInform rare flamethrower report, ArmyInform Lyman Sivalka report |
Defence Blog reported a Ukrainian improvised ground launcher for 80 mm S-8 aircraft rockets, describing the Sivalka VM-8 as a 16-tube system fitted to light vehicles.
Sources: Defence Blog Ukraine develops light rocket launcher
ArmyInform reported Sivalka flamethrower-system fire by a CBRN-protection unit operating with Ukraine's 80th Air Assault Brigade on the Kursk axis.
Sources: ArmyInform Sivalka Kursk combat work
ArmyInform reported a Ukrainian General Staff video of Support Forces CBRN-protection Sivalka VM-8 systems firing special thermobaric rounds.
Sources: ArmyInform rare flamethrower report
Defense Express described an ArmyTV report on Sivalka VM8 in service with the 704th Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Protection Troops and summarized the system's 16-tube Ford Ranger-mounted configuration.
Sources: Defense Express Sivalka VM8 analysis
ArmyInform reported the 704th Separate CBRN Protection Brigade demonstrating a Ukrainian-made small flamethrower system, Sivalka-VM8, firing thermobaric rockets on the Lyman axis.
Sources: ArmyInform Lyman Sivalka report
ArmyInform reported 704th Separate CBRN Protection Brigade flamethrower troops showing Sivalka VM-8 combat work against enemy shelters, personnel, and fortified positions.
Sources: ArmyInform 704th Brigade Sivalka VM-8 shelters report
