LMT Standalone M203s In Ukraine

In this series looking at weapons used in Ukraine we’ve looked at a number of different grenade launchers including GP-25s adapted for standalone use, FN FN40GLs, discharger cups for hand grenades and perhaps the rarest grenade launcher seen in Ukraine so far; the standalone Colt M203. Another interesting and fairly rarely seen grenade launcher that began to appear in Ukraine last winter is LMT’s standalone 40mm M203.

LMT offers a series of M203-derived launchers and two standalone stock attachment methods. The Iowa-based company introduced its 40mm grenade launchers in 2003. The launchers seen in Ukraine appear to be the rail mounted version with a 9 inch long barrel.

*An LMT M203 in the field (via Rogue Team)*

The first sighting of an LMT M203 in Ukraine came in November 2023, when Georgian volunteer O.d.i.n.s.o.n., part of the GUR/HUR (Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence)’s Omega Team, posted a photo of one side by side with a standalone GP25. The launchers likely arrived in country a little earlier, speaking to TAB at the time he noted that “the aiming module is a little weird. It has like an M4 forward sight and GL [grenade launcher] distance adjustable rear sight but it’s on top of the weapon. So it doesn’t force you to arc the barrel Like a GP25 does.”

The next appearance of one of the launchers came in late February 2024, when Scorpion Protection Group, another SOF group, shared a photo of a combatant training with one. A third GUR unit, Rogue Team, have also posted images featuring an LMT M203. The first image was shared by a team member on 17 March. This was followed by an image shared on the team’s Instagram page on the 5 April.

*LMT M203 rail mounted version with 9in barrel – right side (LMT)*

On the 14 April, a photo posted by one of the Kraken Regiment’s (also under the GUR) teams also appears to include a standalone LMT M203. Most recently on 16 April, a Spanish member of Omega Team, shared a photo of an LMT M203 with its action open with a round ready to load. On the same day TAB spoke again to Omega Team member O.d.d.i.n.s.o.n. at length about the launchers.

O.d.i.n.s.o.n. explained that the unit switched from rotary 40mm grenade launchers to standalone GP25s and LMT M203 as they are lighter and less bulky than the rotary launchers. He reiterated the difference in the LMT sight from quadrant sights found on other launchers and noted that “instead of a switch or a selector it has a little hook that you pull back and it prevents your finger from going on the trigger.” This is a carry over from the original M203 on which LMT’s launcher is based.

When comparing the GP25 and M203 O.d.i.n.s.o.n. noted that the M203 is light, effective and has a ‘really nice stock’ but he dislikes that the M203’s action has to be opened to reload, unlike the GP25 which when fired “leaves nothing inside the tube and is faster on the reload.” When asked if he’d seen many other units using LMT launchers he explained that “most [International Legion] Special Task Units [affiliated with the GUR] have a couple.”

*An LMT M203 with its action open (Courtesy of Delta Knights)*

We also spoke with Delta Knights, another GUR Specal Task Unit made up of international volunteers, who confirmed they also use LMT M203s and said that they ‘really love it’ but one thing they do wish they had more of is 40mm smoke grenades, adding that the launcher is most often employed with High Explosive (HE) grenades. Delta Knights were kind enough to provide some photos and videos of the M203 in operation at the range.

While the imagery and information available confirms combat use of the LMT M203s in Ukraine it doesn’t give us a solid picture of just how many are in-theatre and other units who may be using them. As always the imagery shared online represents a fraction of what is going on and can only be considered a limited sample. In terms of the origins of the launchers one potential source for the LMT M203s is Estonia which adopted the LMT MARS-L as the R-20 in 2020. Some of the Estonian R-20s have been seen with LMT M203s and given Estonia’s considerable past support for Ukraine it is possible that they may have provided a number of the launchers.

Special thanks to O.D.I.N.S.O.N and Delta Knights for their time and insights and to the guys at Cloooud for additional assistance.

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Bibliography:

9″ Standalone Rail Mounted M203, LMT, (source)

The LMT M203-2003 Grenade Launcher, Small Arms Defense Journal, (source)

Lmt M203 Grenade Launcher Stand Alone Frame, LMT, (source)

Russian Blyatmobile – The Turtle Tank

The so-called ‘cope cage’ has been a thing since before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. With the proliferation of top attack munitions, drone dropped munitions and subsequently first person view (FPV) kamikaze munitions ways of protecting valuable armoured fighting vehicles were sought. This evolved as cages over the top of tanks’ turrets and later with some vehicles being near-fully enclosed by wire cages, sometimes with hanging chains.

*A still from a Ukrainian overwatch drone feed showing the tank (via social media)*

In early April Russian ‘engineers’ took the ‘cope cage’ to its next level, completely enclosing an entire tank in sheet metal. While this might look ridiculous the practice is a time-honoured one with the concept of spaced armour developing as early as the First World War, when the French augmented the Schneider CA1 with some forward armour panels. Spaced armour is intended to reduce the penetrating power of kinetic and explosive penetrators.

*Damage to the outer, spaced, armour plates of a French CA1 tank (source)*

At least one Russian tank, a T-72, has been seen near totally enclosed by sheet metal rather than a cage. Various imagery shows a tank encased in a trapezoidal steel structure, giving the vehicle the look of a shed on tracks. Ukrainian social media has seen the tank described as the ‘turtle tank’ (танку черепашці) or the ‘Blyatmobile’ while on Russian telegram channels the tanks is often referred to as ‘Tsar Mangal’ (Царь мангал) or Tsar’s BBQ/grill. The odd vehicle was first spotted during a recent attack on Ukrainian positions around Krasnohorivka, in Donetsk. It was seen in video posted on 8 April, from a Ukrainian overwatch drone, leading an attacking column of Russian armoured fighting vehicles delivering troops forward. It has been hypothesised that the sheet metal structure was built to protect troops riding on the tank’s hull. Notably the tank is also fitted with a KMT-6 mine plough.

*A still from a video of the tank posted on a Russian telegram channel (via dobryi_russkyi)*

While the turtle tank survived the operation during which it was first seen several days later it appears to have been destroyed by a Ukrainian artillery strike. Ukrainian overwatch and reconnaissance drones tracked the tank back to its base and the location was reportedly cross-referenced by a Ukrainian OSINT and geo-location team Cyber Boroshno, against open source video of it inside a warehouse posted by Russian sources.

In the video we can better see the construction of the tank’s shell. It appears there are 4 corner support columns holding up a frame work onto which the shell as been welded. At the front of the shell there is a white painted piece of shaped metal that looks it could be from the roof of a commercial panel van adds some aerodynamic finesse. It appears there may be an internal box with sheet metal of the sides of the shell providing a second layer at the rear on the tank’s engine deck. Perhaps a space for infantry dismounts.

The drone footage shared on 9 April showed the aftermath of the strike on the Russian armoured unit’s base with the battle damage assessment footage appearing to show the turtle tank in the wreckage of the building.

*Ukrainian ISR UAV footage claimed to be of the turtle tank after an artillery strike (via CyberBoroshno)*

The armour shell constructed by Russian engineers likely offered some protection against FPV drones but at the cost of the crew’s ability to observe its surroundings, the ability to traverse its gun and likely its mobility.

The turtle tank may look ridiculous but it is a prime example of in-field adaptation and evolution of concepts around how to protect vehicles. The cope cage, which first emerged in Syria, have become more and more mainstream with both Russia and Ukraine employing them, who knows perhaps the armour shell of the turtle tank may indicate a future direction of development which might eventually become less ad-hoc and ludicrous looking.

Update 16/04/24:

Russian ‘engineers’ in the Krasnohorivka area appear to have either rebuilt or built another ‘turtle tank’ with a slightly different profile and an electronic warfare device mounted on top to counter drones. Stills from a UAV feed:

Update 17/04/24: A better look at the Turtle Tank Mk2. It appears to be constructed from corrugated sheet metal and is fully enclosed, preventing any traverse of the tank’s turret. It has been speculated that Russian engineers took a damaged tank which could not move its turret and built a breacher vehicle. This later was iteration of the Turtle Tank also has a mine plough like the first.

It’s unclear if the Mk2 is a construction on another tank or the shell rebuilt on the same vehicle following damage. With a fully enclosed shell it seems unlikely that the vehicle is being used for transporting troops instead it appears to be enclosed to protect its EW kit and act as a mine clearance vehicle ahead of armoured columns. The shell would in theory give all around protection against drone attack. The footage of the vehicle, said to have been filmed on around 15 April, shows the vehicle on the move, it survive several near misses from artillery it also shows the vehicle making a wrong turn probably due to is severely restricted visibility.

A better look at the Turtle Tank Mk2. It is full enclosed, no turret movement. Electronic warfare set mounted on roof. Shell is made from standard corrugated metal. It's also mounted with a mine plough, & may be the same tank with shell rebuilt. Role seems to be as a breacher. pic.twitter.com/CjszFkecPM
— Matthew Moss | Historical Firearms (@historicfirearm) April 17, 2024

US Transfers Seized Iranian Small Arms to Ukraine

The U.S. government announced, on 9 April, the transfer of enough small arms to equip a brigade to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The weapons originate from the arms shipments that the US Navy and allies have seized in recent years thousands of weapons and millions of rounds of ammunition which have been seized in recent years from Iranian shipments to the Houthis in Yemen.

*Thousands of illicit weapons interdicted by USS Monterey, May 2021 (U.S. Navy)*

In a statement U.S. Central Command noted that the arms and munitions had been “originally seized by U.S. Central Command and partner naval forces from four separate transiting stateless vessels between 22 May 2021 to 15 Feb 2023.” The transfer to Ukraine includes 5,000 AK-pattern rifles, RPG-7 rocket launchers, sniper rifles and machine guns. This is not the first transfer of seized small arms to Ukraine with a previous transfer occurring in October 2023, when 1.1 million rounds of an unspecified 7.62mm calibre ammunition were transferred. That transfer was made up of ammunition seized from a single dhow on 9 December, 2022.

*On Jan. 7. U.S. Navy seized 2,116 AK-pattern rifles including AKS20U* & *Type 56-1s from a fishing vessel en route from Iran to Yemen. (U.S. Navy)*

On 6 July 2023, the U.S. Justice Department filed a forfeiture action for: “over 9,000 rifles, 284 machine guns, approximately 194 rocket launchers, over 70 anti-tank guided missiles and over 700,000 rounds of ammunition” these were reported to have originated from two dhows in 2021 and two from 2023. This suggests a discrepancy in the number of seized weapons detailed by the forfeiture action and the number subsequently handed over to Ukraine. This perhaps suggests that either a further transfer will follow with the remainder or a substantial portion of the arms and ammunition were not suitable for transfer for some unknown reason.

In terms of the types of small arms being transferred we can get a pretty good idea from examining the previously released images of the arms seized over the last couple of years. These include:

Chinese Type 56-1 7.62x39mm AKs
Russian VEPR AKS20U [VPO-158N-06] in 5.45x39mm (these will likely be useful for support troops and vehicle crews)
PK-pattern general purpose machine guns or Iranian and Chinese origin
Russian Kornet and Iranian Dehlaviyeh anti-tank guided missiles
Chinese Type 69 and Iranian RPG-7 clones
Iranian AM-50 12.7x99mm anti-materiel rifles
Chinese SVD clones
Imagery of seized ammunition suggests 7.62x54mmR, 7.62x39mm, and 12.7x99mm

US Central Command noted that:

“The munitions were being transferred from the IRGC to the Houthis in Yemen in violation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2216. U.S. CENTCOM is committed to working with our allies and partners to counter the flow of Iranian lethal aid in the region by all lawful means including U.S. and U.N. sanctions and through interdictions.”

The U.S. Justice Department confirmed in a statement that the transfer took place on 4 April, also explaining that the transfer required a civil forfeiture ruling against seized arms and ammunition which enabled the hand over. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said: “The Justice Department will continue to use our legal authorities, including forfeiture, to support the Ukrainian people in their fight.”

*French naval forces interdicted more than 3,000 rifles and 578,000 rounds of ammunition, Jan. 2023 (US CENTCOM)*

Most recently, in February 2023, the U.S. Navy reported that “more than 5,000 weapons and 1.6 million rounds of ammunition” had been seized since the beginning of the year. In 2021 alone, approximately 9,000 weapons were intercepted on their way to the Houthis. This suggests that if the weapons have not already been disposed of then there a further stocks of seized weapons to draw on for transfers to Ukraine. It remains to be seen if and when further transfers of seized weapons will be made and when the transferred weapons will begin to be spotted in the field.

More SMAW

In April 2023, I published an article/video looking at sighting of US SMAW (Shoulder-Launched Multi-Purpose Assault Weapon) Mk153s, head back and check that out if you missed it. In this video we’ll take a quick look at subsequent sightings of the launchers in use with Ukrainian forces.

The SMAW Mk153, not to be confused with the disposable M141 SMAW-D, is an 83mm smooth bore, shoulder-fired, rocket launcher with an integrated spotting rifle attached to the right side of the launcher assembly. The Mk153 is loaded by fitting an encased rocket into the rear the launcher assembly.

*A Ukrainian combatant firing a SMAW Mk153 during an urban engagement (via social media)*

The Mk153 is a relatively rarely seen weapon, the first sighting of one in Ukraine came back in February 2023 and since my last video/article they have been seen half a dozen more times both in the field and at the range.

In May 2023, a clip of a SMAW Mk153 being fired from an enclosed space in a multi-storey building was shared. The clip was seemingly filmed during urban fighting, probably during the battle for Bakhmut. However, the date and location of the footage is unconfirmed. You can see how the back-blast kicks up a huge amount of dust.

A month later a Ukrainian combatant shared a photograph of himself holding a Mk153. In July, I came across a photograph of a Mk153 which dated back to December 2022, predating my initial first sighting by several months. In the background of the photo several enclosed rocket rounds.

*A Ukrainian combatant holding a SMAW Mk153 (via social media)*

Later in July a video shared by a Ukrainian combatant showing a smoke grenade test also featured one of the Mk153’s enclosed rocket tubes. In early August Ukrainian combatants posted a video of a Mk153 being fired in the field, judging by the launcher’s angle of elevation the combatant was aiming at a distant target.

The SMAW Mk153 also features in a Ukrainian manual, Use Of Foreign Made Weapons By The Security And Defense Forces Of Ukraine (Instructions For Use), compiled by the Ukrainian Security Services (SBU) which was published in 2023. It includes translated relevant sections from the US manual for the weapon.

On the 4 September, the Strategic Communications Department of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine shared a video of two members of the 100th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade firing Mk153s in the Serebryansk Forest in Luhansk. Sadly, the footage is low resolution but its possible to identify a SMAW Mk153s being used alongside what may be a Panzerfaust 3.

An interesting video posted in at the beginning of September showed a phone mounted onto a SMAW with what appears to be a car phone cradle. This has allowed a clinometer app to be used to enable the SMAW to be used in the in-direct role, by displaying the weapon’s angle of elevation.

*Members of a Ukrainian unit with two Mk153s, one fitted with a Sightmark Wolfhound 3×24 (via social media)*

On 24 September, members of Bravo Rapid Reaction Group appeared in a video of training with SMAW Mk153 at the range. The video features combatants loading and firing a Mk153 in two man, gunner and loader, teams.

On 30 December, Ukrainian volunteers who have been raising funds and providing kit to Ukrainian personnel shared an album of photographs of troops they had supplied throughout 2023. Included in this was individuals from an unidentified unit, with two combatants seen holding Mk153s. It is rare that the Mk153 is seen equipped with an optic but one of the Mk153s featured in the photographs shared by the volunteers appears to have been fitted with a Sightmark Wolfhound 3×24, sometimes seen on Airtronic PSRL-1s.

Finally, combatants from Ukraine’s 3rd Assault Brigade shared video on 27 March 2024, of an individual a firing of a SMAW Mk153 at a range, the date of filming is unconfirmed but believed to be recent. The SMAW Mk153 continues to be a relatively rare weapon but does occasionally appear with a variety of units.

Spanish CETME-Ls in Ukraine

In late August 2023, a surprising weapon turned up in Ukraine. It appears that Spain provided Ukraine with an unknown number of 5.56x45mm CETME-L rifles. The rifles were spotted during a parade in Kyiv with an entire company of Ukrainian Border Guards seen equipped with the rifles. I’ve delayed writing this article/video in anticipation of them appearing again but there’s been no sign of the CETME-Ls since the parade.

The parade, held on 23 August 2023, in Kyiv’s Sofia Square celebrated the 32nd anniversary of Ukrainian independence and saw at least 25 members of Ukraine’s Border Guards parade with the rifles. The personnel are believed to have been part of either the 8th or the 9th border detachments who are assigned to the Belarusian border region.

*Ukrainian Border Guards with CETME-Ls, August 2023 (DPSU)*

Spain developed the CETME-L in the early 1980s, to replace the CETME Model C. Entering service in 1986, it uses a roller-delayed gas blowback, check out our earlier video disassembling a CETME-L here. Issues with quality control during manufacturing and quirks of the design led to the Spanish military seeking to replace the CETME-L by the mid 1990s. The HK G36E was selected but the L remains in limited service with significant quantities held in storage.

Ukrainian troops training in Spain in the summer of 2023, have been seen equipped with CETME-Ls but it remains curious that Spain would provide the rifles as aid to Ukraine. While the rifles had a short service life due to reported reliability issues, with approximately 100,000 manufactured between 1986 and 1991 and since largely replaced by G36s there is likely a substantial number in store and available for transfer.

The CETME-L, despite a decent design on paper, was hampered by quality control issues which led to reliability problems. The rifle’s magazine housing also only allows feeding from steel magazines. While in theory they will feed from STANAG magazines, the magazine housing is optimised for proprietary Spanish magazines (with a different follower and feed lip design) with the magazine seated at more of an angle. The rifles also reportedly favour hotter, higher pressure ammunition. These factors may explain why the CETME-Ls have not been seen in the field with the Border Guards preferring to continue issuing AK-74 pattern rifles to personnel on the front line. The rifles seen in Kyiv may have been drawn from central stores solely for the parade.

We approached both the Spanish Ministry of Defence and the Ukrainian Border Guards for further information but no addition comment has been received. The Spanish Ministry of Defence directed us to an August 2023 press release which detailed Spanish assistance to Ukraine’s Border Guards which does mention “light weapons with their ammunition”.

*Ukrainian Border Guard with CETME-L, August 2023 (DPSU)*

The Spanish press, quoting confidential sources, reported that between 1,000 and 2,000 rifles were transferred. It is also reported that the rifles were never previously issued and that they are being used by rear echelon Ukrainian personnel. This frees up more reliable weapons, like AK-74s and UAR-15s, for frontline use. At the time of publication examination of various DPSU (Ukrainian Border Guard) social media channels doesn’t indicate any signs of further use of CETME-L rifles, even with rear echelon personnel.

Periscope Rifles in Ukraine

With the war in Ukraine’s current trench-bound stalemate often resembling the First World War it isn’t too surprising to see an early 20th century innovation making a comeback. Several variations on the concept of a periscope rifle have been seen in Ukraine since the summer of 2023.

*A still from Heroes of Gallipoli (1915) showing a periscope rifle (via IWM)*

The concept actually pre-dates the First World War, with sights like William Youlten’s Hyposcope dating to 1900, but really emerged during the war with many nations developing similar periscope-based systems that allowed service rifles to be mounted in frames and fired over the parapet removing the need for soldiers to expose themselves when sniping.

The first design featured in an article by Jeff Farrell in June 2023, Farrell interviewed a Czech veteran of the International Legion, Marian Simunek, who was wounded and has since developed a periscope which a rifle can be mounted in. In a pair of videos Simunek demonstrated fitting the rifle into the periscope mount and how it would be fired. Simunek manages to mount an AK-74 in the periscope mount within 30 seconds. The stock folds down from the body of the periscope and is secured with the pistol grip and trigger assembly being lined up, the stock of the rifle is secured by two straps and then the trigger cable is attached to the rifle’s trigger.

A second periscope design emerged in late January 2024, when a short video showing a tall tripod-mounted periscope was shared. The video shows the testing of a prototype gun mount which can be raised up to above parapet height and allows the gun to be aimed using the periscope the gun is show being tested in both semi-automatic and fully automatic. The trigger is attached to a command cable which runs down to a front grip with an exposed trigger in front of it. The tall monopod isn’t the most stable platform but the user demonstrating it supports the assembly using the integrated stock and pistol grip assembly and holds the stand with his off hand. While the ability to quickly raise and lower the rifle mounted on the stand is useful, especially for reloading, but it may lack stability in the field.

The third variation on the periscope rifle concept was shared on 18 March, with a short 22 second clip showing an AK-pattern rifle with its stock removed, mounted on a well fabricated pole with a periscope, an off hand support grip, a stock shaped like an AKS-74 folding stock and a pistol grip and trigger assembly which uses what appears to be a brake cable. In another video of the mount in the same position an individual demonstrates the articulation of the mount (albeit without a weapon installed). The mount has a wide tripod base and appears to be well made. The gun is set up in an urban environment behind a wall, likely for demonstration proposes. The this periscope rifle may be a more developed version of the previous design but I’ve been unable to find the original source for the video.

Interestingly, another video of as similar periscope rifle set up was shared, the design is clearly the same as that seen in the previous video. The shape of the stock has changed and the position and design of the stabilising forward hand grip differs.

While trench periscopes have been in use since the early weeks of the war, a more modern approach is the use of digital camera aimed remote weapons. These include the Shablya (sabre) remote weapon station developed by Roboneer, which has been in development since 2015 and has been tested with numerous different types of machine guns including PKs and M2 Brownings. Another similar system is the Tarantul, developed by engineers of the 118th Territorial Defence Brigade. This is a concept that Russian forces have also been experimenting with with a number of systems seen in test videos.

Men of #Ukraine's 68th Jaeger Brigade show of a Shablya remote weapon station developed by Roboneer. It's mounted with a PKT machine gun. #UkraineWar #smallarms #RWS pic.twitter.com/1IYvAvAoaH
— Matthew Moss | Historical Firearms (@historicfirearm) April 24, 2023

The available imagery of periscope rifle systems originating from the war in Ukraine is relatively small so its difficult to gauge their utility fully, I’ve yet to see any evidence of their front line use. They are a specialist piece of kit which depending on the design is suited to some environments more than others. If you’ve seen other examples of periscope rifle systems or evidence of their use in combat please do let me know!

Swedish K In Ukraine – Update

A few of weeks ago I published an article/video detailing the appearance of Swedish Carl Gustaf m/45 9x19mm submachine guns in Ukraine. One notable feature of the guns was that their configuration appeared to sit somewhere between the m/45A and the m/45B.

In the absence of clearer information I referred to these as m/45Bs, the most common variant and one which has the defining fixed magazine housing rather than the earlier removable magazine well seen on the m/45A. The fixed magazine well is an upgrade which was made before the later m/45B refit. It seems that there was some fluidity to how the upgrades were carried out which has led to gun with a mix of features.

*An upgraded m/45A with the 41st Mechanized Brigade (Daily Mail)*

From Swedish sources I’ve spoken to many of the m/45s seen in the imagery from Ukraine are early spec guns (m/45As) which may have been in storage and were not refit to the m/45B pattern. The m/45B refit was partially necessitated by the need to add an additional retention method to hold the receiver end-cap in place. Some sources suggest this was due to a type of training ammunition then in use, others point to it being simply extra security.

*An m/45B (top) and an m/45A (bottom) with the fixed-magazine well upgrade (Henrik Jansson)*

Working theories explaining the configuration of the guns seen in Ukraine include: that they are m/45A configuration guns which had been in storage and were retrofitted after the training ammunition left service and the additional end cap retention was no longer needed, so this change to the guns was omitted. As mentioned earlier, another reason may be that these are m/45As which had the magazine well upgrade but were placed in store or transferred before the broader m/45B upgrade was carried out.

As discussed in the initial video, it is thought that Estonia is a likely source for these guns as they received some of these guns in the 1990s and these m/45s have then subsequently been sent to Ukraine. Regardless of origin country the result is guns which do not have the additional end cap retention catch nor the green finish of the Swedish Army’s m/45B. They all feature the fixed magazine housing but there is also a mix of larger (earlier A guns) and smaller (later B guns) perforations in the barrel shrouds.

*A combatant in Ukraine with an m/45 c.early 2024 (via social media)*

Since the last video a couple of other sources showing the m/45 in Ukraine were shared with me. Including this image of a Ukrainian combatant with a Swedish K which has the smaller barrel shroud holes. On 10 February a Daily Mail report, featured Thunder Company, an element with the 41st Mechanised Brigade. Members of the company show journalist Richard Pendlebury an m/45 that is in their inventory. The company’s deputy commander describes it as a ‘museum piece’. Both guns appear to be of the same configuration generally seen in Ukraine. On 4 March, another short video of a Ukrainian combatant firing an m/45 at what appears to be a range was shared. It’s unclear when or where the video was filmed.

My very special thanks to Henrik Jansson for his time, insights and imagery and to numerous others for their knowledgeable input. Thank you to Weapons_Illustrated for their help sourcing imagery, check them out on twitter.

“Hit the Abrams’ Vulnerable Points”

The Russian military has published and disseminated numerous handouts to Russian troops on how to engage an M1A1 Abrams. There is a long history of armies publishing guides on how to engage specific targets with both sides in the current conflict disseminating threat recognition and vulnerability guides. One early Ukraine War example of this was the illustrations published by the Ukrainian government illustrating where to strike various vehicles with molotov cocktails.

A photo of one Russian document, entitled ‘Hit the Abrams’ Vulnerable Points’, likely published in early 2024, was posted by Russian correspondent Mikhail Andronik on 26 February with the simple caption “[RPG-7 emoji] Remember!!!”. From the photograph it appears that there is further text is printed on the reverse.

*M1 Abrams weak points handout (via Mikhail Andronik)*

Handout (above) machine translated [from left to right, top to bottom]:

Hit the Abrams’ vulnerable points

Hit the guidance device with machine gun fire

Hit the gun

Hit the ammunition in the rear bottom of the turret

Aim for the larger gap between the armour of the hull and the turret and the Commander and gunner sighting devices

Hit the side of the hull with RPG fire of any models

The handout then advices that darkly shaded areas of the hull are ‘vulnerable to RPGs and fire from 30mm guns’ with anti-armour weapons including PG-7 warheads and disposable AT weapons. The handout also warns that the skirting over the tracks acts as additional spaced armour. The handout concludes by reminding the reader that [machine translated]:

“REMEMBER! THE ENEMY’S MAIN WEAPON IS FEAR. THERE IS NOTHING SPECIAL ABOUT FOREIGN EQUIPMENT, ANY EQUIPMENT IS VULNERABLE, YOU NEED TO KNOW WHERE AIM”

*A page from the Russian MoD’s: ‘Reminder To The Soldier On Fighting Enemy Tanks And Combat Vehicles In Combined Arms Combat’ (via TDG G7)*

The image and information appears to be similar to that found in a more in-depth document entitled [machine translated] ‘Reminder To The Soldier On Fighting Enemy Tanks And Combat Vehicles In Combined Arms Combat’ which was published by the Ministry Of Defense Of The Russian Federation Main Directorate Of Combat Training in 2023. This document was acquired and published by Ukraine’s Territorial Defense Force’s Training Department (G7). This document advises on how to engage a variety of armoured fighting vehicles operated by Ukraine including: the Leopard 2, M1A1 Abrams, Challenger, Marder, M113 and AMX-10RC. Tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) documents like this one are commonly used by many militaries around the world to train troops how to address and overcome enemy doctrine and equipment.

With the arrival of the M1 Abrams in theatre highly anticipated by both sides Russian forces had ample time to prepare and disseminate information on how to engage various types of Western armoured vehicles. In September 2023 Izvestia interviewed Russian personnel and featured another info graphic which explained how to engage an Abrams showing many of the same weak points with a colour profile graphic and a slightly different front on illustration.

*Another Russian poster entitled “Hit the Abrams’ Vulnerable Points” (via Izvestia)*

In early February another report, from RT, also included several info graphics showing the vulnerable points of the Abrams. RT correspondent Sargon Khadaya spoke to Russian personnel who reiterated that “like all equipment, these tanks have weak points.” The report included two different handouts outlining how to engage the Leopard 2 and M1 Abrams’ weaknesses. The M1 Abrams graphic again slightly differs from other examples seen in layout and formatting.

The first confirmed loss of an M1A1SA Abrams in Ukrainian service occurred on 26 February, just three days after the Ukrainian Armed Forces confirmed that the vehicles had been operational on the front line. Ukraine’s 47th Mechanised Brigade posted the first combat footage of the Abrams in action on 23 February. The brigade and its Abrams are part of stabilisation operations after the fall of Avdiivka in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region.

Abrams in action.

📹: 47th Mechanized Brigade pic.twitter.com/Xd0cPEPu57
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) February 23, 2024

On 26 February, Russian Telegram channels began sharing low-resolution UAV footage of what was claimed to be an M1A1SA that was destroyed by the Russian 15th Separate Motorised Rifle Brigade. The imagery has not yet been independently verified but Oryx have listed the vehicle destroyed on their list of losses. Since the 26 February, Russian sources have posted other imagery of the knocked out tank. At the time of publication, neither the Ukrainian nor US governments have commented on the reported loss of an M1A1SA.

The Russian Ministry of Defence has capitalised on the apparent destruction of the Abrams posting interviews with the servicemen involved in the action on 4 March. A post on the Russian Ministry of Defence’s telegram page included an interview with the commander of the drone reconnaissance unit involved in the action, he said: ‘For two years they asked for that tank, and it took 20 minutes to destroy it”.

*Image of a Russian drone feed reportedly showing a destroyed M1A1SA (via Russian telegram channels)*

The tank was reportedly hit by a pair of FPV drones, one which achieved a mobility kill, which caused the crew to bail out, and a second which detonated stored ammunition. Both FPV drones attacked the M1A1SA from the rear – in line with the handout’s advice to “hit the ammunition in the rear bottom of the turret”. The drone reconnaissance unit commander said that they had: “looked at the structure of the tank in advance, where it would be best to hit it.” Interviews with members of the Russian drone unit were also published by major Russian news outlets including RIA, Zvezda and Izvestia.

*A still from Russian drone footage reportedly showing a second knocked out Abrams near Berdychi (via social media)*

The 47th Mechanised Brigade appears to have lost a second M1A1SA near Berdychi with imagery showing one of the tank’s tracks was broken – presumably by a mine detonation. The tank has then subsequently been further damaged either by artillery fire or drones. While this loss has not been independently verified its position has been geolocated.

As the handout points out all armoured vehicles are vulnerable, even highly capable Western main battle tanks. Situation and circumstances play a large part in the successful engagement of armoured vehicles and knowing the potential weaknesses of a vehicle is key.

Hands On with Beretta’s New NARP

The NARP or ‘New Assault Rifle Platform’ project began back in 2018, seeking to meet the key requirements of Italy’s special forces. While their were several delays to development due to the COVID-19 pandemic the rifle has been tested and iterated over the last couple of years. In September 2023, Beretta unveiled their next generation combat rifle to the public. I had the pleasure of speaking with Andrea Candian, Beretta’s Defense and Law Enforcement Product Director. He explained the ethos behind the rifle’s development noting that the NARP project will create a family of combat rifles. Beretta were keen to stress that NARP isn’t actually the rifles’ name, but rather the overarching project to develop the new combat rifles. Mr Candian explained that the rifles themselves will likely have alpha-numeric designations once they’re introduced.

Working with Italian special forces and other members of the special forces community Beretta identified five key considerations: lethality, ergonomics, reliability, modularity and signature reduction. Mr Candian explained that Beretta systematically analysed and tested various options for each of the rifles features, selecting the ones which optimised one or more of the key considerations. One example of this is the development of a proprietary 3-prong muzzle device which reduces the weapon’s flash signature and similarly the incorporation of a Cerakote finish designed to reduce the IR signature of the weapon. Beretta also noted that they have developed their own 3D printed Inconel B-Silent suppressors which will pair with the NARP program rifles. The rifle also features either a single or a two-stage trigger – the trigger of the rifle on display at SHOT Show was impressive with a notably short take up and a crisp break.

The rifle’s controls are full ambidextrous and also symmetrically positioned on both sides of the receiver. NARP’s 5.56mm incarnation will be available in 11,5″, 14,5″ (which was the configuration I examined at SHOT Show) and 16″ barrel configurations. In a departure from Beretta’s current ARX-160’s use of polymer both the upper and lower receivers are made from Aluminum. It weighs around 3.2-3.3kg (around 7lbs) and has a quick detachable forend, actuated by a single latch on the right-hand side, with a 12 o’clock rail and MLOK interfaces. Unlike the AR-15, the rifle’s recoil spring is in the upper receiver which allows a full range of buttstocks to be fitted, including an adjustable folding stock developed by Beretta themselves. Since its unveiling the rifle has been seen paired with both Lancer L5AWM translucent magazines and Magpul PMAGs.

The weapon uses a short-stroke gas system with a 2-position (normal and suppressed) adjustable gas port and has what Beretta described as a prismatic bolt carrier with a rotating bolt, this reportedly minimises vibration and reduces fouling issues. For ease of cleaning the handguard can be removed and the gas system stripped in a matter of seconds and the captive bolt group can be removed from the rear of the upper receiver without having to remove the T-lever charging handle.

The initial configuration of the NARP program to be unveiled was unsurprisingly a 5.56x45mm-chambered rifle with various barrel length offerings but Mr Candian emphasised that it is not an AR-15 pattern rifle, though given the ubiquity of the AR-15, the new rifle does borrow features from the familiar platform. This, Beretta says, was a conscious decision to take advantage of widespread user familiarisation with an established and proven platform. In the future Beretta plan more chamberings including .300 Blackout and 6.5 Grendel and a larger calibre version chambering 6.5 Creedmoor, 7.62x51mm and the NGSW’s 6.8mm is in development.

Development and testing was rigorously shaped to fulfil and exceed NATO’s D14 Handbook on Evaluation Procedures for Future NATO Small Arms Weapon Systems. Beretta say that with standard issue SS109 5.56x45mm ammunition they are achieving accuracy close to that of a designated marksman’s rifle. But as the rifle has been developed for military tenders they could not give any specific data on this.

Beretta’s brochure for the NARP:

Mr Candian noted that tweaks are still being made to the rifle based on feedback from testing with special forces personnel and that the receiver’s profile will have some small changes made. There is also room for the possibility of customer-driven features such as a left-side charging handle, a selector with a burst function and different hand guard lengths, muzzle devices and barrel lengths.

With a number of European nations expected to begin seeking replacements for their current service rifles in the near future Beretta are making a concerted effort to revamp their military offerings and are positioning themselves to compete with other major players within the small arms sector.

This article was adapted from a piece originally published at TFB. Be sure to check out my friend James’ TFBTV video for another look at Beretta’s NARP with some additional input from Beretta representatives.

Ukraine’s Handheld FPV Killer?

This is the MSD-5, a small, hand-held shotgun-like device which has been suggested as an anti-drone weapon. With the massive increase in UAV and (first person view) FPV drone use various means of combatting them ranging from electronic warfare to simple hunting shotguns have been deployed by both sides.

In recent weeks a number of Ukrainian social media accounts have shared the idea of using the MSD-5 as a short-range defence against diving FPV drones. I hadn’t seen the weapon before and none of the posts about it explicitly mentioned its designation or manufacturer. I did some research and found that the small hand gun was called the MSD-5 and is manufactured by Stellarium SV, a company based in Chernihiv, in northern Ukraine.

In January, Sergey Flash (a Ukrainian serviceman and communication specialist) posted a video discussing the need for an immediate defence against FPVs and held up an MSD-5 describing it as “a possible way of protection” but emphasising that his aim wasn’t to advertise the device but simply call “attention to a possible remedy for the soldiers”.

Stellarium SV’s website explains that rather than being a weapon it is primarily sold as a signalling device with five different 12×88 cartridges available, two signalling cartridge types, a noise cartridge for scaring off animals, a cartridge which can extinguish flames and one for spraying plants to treat and protect them from various types of pests and diseases.

Here is a promotional video for the MSD-5:

It is unclear if the device is robust enough or has barrels suitable for firing something like birdshot pellets. Stellarium SV note that the device is made from “high-strength plastics based on reinforced polyamide” but do state that “the drum can be fitted with stainless steel or titanium liners.”. The device has 5 tubes or barrels and is electrically fired. It appears to have a cross bolt safety in front of the grip, below the exposed trigger. It weighs 800g and is powered by three CR123A batteries. Stellarium SV’s site lists the device’s price as 430 Euros.

On the 20 February, Flash posted another short video of himself firing MSD-5 at a range with the caption:

“Tested today the new cartridges for the “soldier’s weapon against FPV”. Specialists are working, I hope we will produce a product that we will give to every soldier. My task, after the product is ready for the series, is to achieve its introduction into the Armed Forces.”

*An MSD-5 with its action open (Stellarium SV)*

Along with the video he also posted a photograph of a target peppered with holes from small shot. The video shows the MSD-5 being fired with minimal recoil, suggesting a light load.

I reached out to Stellarium SV about the potential conversion of the MSD-5 into a personal anti-FPV weapon and they were keen to stress that this ” is not a use case that we endorse or support” and that they do not produce a cartridge capable of this and that anyone who made adapted cartridges is not related to Stellarium SV. The company did note that loading cartridges with shot was possible but getting the powder charge right was key. They also noted that the MSD-5 does not have sights which may make aiming difficult, though at the probable engagement ranges instinctive point shooting may be what Flash has in mind.

*A test target photo posted by Sergey Flash (via Sergey Flash)*

I also reached out to Sergey Flash to enquire about how he was adapting the MSD-5 but at the time of publication have not yet had a reply.
While the MSD-5 may not have been designed with an anti-drone role in mind, the concept of a similar handheld, lightweight, last-ditch, defence against FPVs seems a sensible answer to a urgent and difficult problem.