[3][4] The OTR-21 forward deployment to East Germany began in 1981,[citation needed] replacing the earlier Luna-M series of unguided artillery rockets.

[6][7] The OTR-21 is a mobile missile launch system, designed to be deployed along with other land combat units on the battlefield.

The missile itself can be used for precise strikes on enemy tactical targets, such as control posts, bridges, storage facilities, troop concentrations and airfields.

[9] The initial version, Tochka, NATO reporting name Scarab A, entered service with the Soviet Army in 1975.

[8] The improved Tochka-U, NATO reporting name Scarab B, passed state tests from 1986 to 1988, and was introduced in 1989.

[11] An unconfirmed[9] third variant, designated Scarab C by NATO, may have been developed in the 1990s, but was likely never operational.