Tag: OSINT

Canada To Supply Ukraine with More Than 20,000 Rifles

On 11 April, Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced that Canada would provided Ukraine with “21,000 5.56mm assault rifles” and 2.4 million rounds of ammunition. This latest round of security assistance brings the value of Canada’s aid to Ukraine to CAD 8 billion ($6 billion). The official announcement stated:

The new military assistance package includes 21,000 5.56mm assault rifles, 38 7.62mm machine guns, and over 2.4 million rounds of ammunition to support these weapons as well as small arms already in use by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The statement, which the Canadian Department of National Defense confirmed, noted that the small arms would be “sourced from Colt Canada”, meaning that the weapons would not be coming from the Canadian Armed Forces’ own stocks. The announcement also noted that the: “donation comes from the remaining funds across the Government of Canada’s various funding envelopes for military assistance to Ukraine.”

Ukrainian SOF with Colt Canada C8 carbines (via Social Media)

In terms of previous small arms donations, Canada has provided a range of weapons. These include 100 Carl Gustaf M2 Recoilless Rifles, 7,500 hand grenades and up to 4,500 M72 LAW anti-tank weapons. Canada has also transferred C9 (FN Minimi) light machine guns, C6 (FN MAG) general purpose machine guns and an undisclosed number of Colt Canada C8 carbines.

When the new aid package was announced, there was considerable speculation about what models might be – C7 or C8s or perhaps the newer Colt Canada MRR?

One of the surprising weapons on Canada’s list of rifles for Ukraine – M4A1 carbine (US Army)

I enquired about the types of ‘5.56mm assault rifles’ that Colt Canada would be providing. A Department of National Defense spokesperson stated that the donation would include: “M4 carbines; M4 Commandos; M16A4 rifles; M5 carbines; and C8A2 carbines.” This is a surprising list as the C8A2 is the only weapon on the list manufactured by Colt Canada. Of the other weapons, the M4 and M16A4 are US military weapons, and the M5 is a rifle aimed at the international law enforcement and military markets offered by US-based Colt only.

We asked the Department of National Defense about the unexpected models listed, and they responded that: “we expect that the majority of the rifles will be manufactured and assembled at the Kitchener plant [Colt Canada’s facility in Ontario], though it is likely that they will need to source certain parts from their subsidiaries.”

An unexpected entry on Canada’s list of rifles for Ukraine – Colt M5 carbine (Colt)

It appears that Colt Canada will act as the vendor but call upon Colt in the US to provide components and perhaps complete weapons – both companies are part of the Colt-CZ Group. We also reached out to Colt Canada, who responded to our request for comment, saying:

We are honored to be part of Canada’s military assistance to Ukraine. Colt Canada will play an important role in the deliveries of assault rifles, machine guns, and ammunition to the Government of Ukraine. We are proud to be a strong and reliable partner to the Canadian government, in helping Ukraine to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Colt Canada declined to comment on the variety of weapons listed by the Department of National Defense and did not comment on the hypothesis that parts for the weapons would be drawn from across the Colt-CZ Group.

Ukrainian SOF with Colt Canada C8 carbines (via Social Media)

21,000 rifles is a considerable number of personal weapons. The average Ukrainian brigade size is around 4,000 personnel. We also have to factor in the considerable attrition rate experienced during heavy fighting but even so this supply of rifles could in theory perhaps arm three or four brigades. This is especially useful as Ukraine is currently raising new Army and National Guard brigades.

Another aspect to consider is spare parts for the weapons – as yet the Canadian government have not disclosed spares which might be provided. The Canadian Department of National Defense expects the delivery of the weapons “to be completed in the coming months”.

This article was based on an earlier article written by the author and published at TFB.

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Inside the Dutch Effort To Send Rifles to Ukraine

In a video a few months ago we looked at the use of Diemaco C7A1s in Ukraine. The C7s have been seen in use with various Ukrainian units including the International Legion, the Belarusian the Kalinouski Regiment and most recently elements of the Azov Brigade.

In that video I theorised about where the rifles may have been sent from – with several options. Since then after speaking with numerous sources the rifles have been confirmed to have come from the Netherlands. I’ve spoken with Dutch colleagues and members of the Netherlands Armed Forces about the rifles and have been able to interview a source familiar with the Dutch operation to supply the rifles. 

Ukrainian SOF operator with a Dutch C7A1 mounted with an ELCAN optic originally used on a simulator range (via social media)

In the summer of 2022 a small team of Dutch Army armourers worked feverishly to check and prepare thousands of surplus rifles for shipment to Ukraine. Since then the rifles have regularly been seen in the hands of numerous Ukrainian military units.

The Netherlands has provided a wide range of military aid to Ukraine since the outbreak of war ranging from Stinger MANPADS to YPR-765 APCs, and from 155mm PzH 2000s self-propelled howitzers to Barrett and Accuracy International precision rifles.

A workbench filled with C7A1 rifles, with ELCAN optics, after being checked by armourers from the Royal Netherlands Army (redacted by TAB, via source)

We spoke to a source familiar with the Dutch operation to supply the weapons who described the mammoth task of preparing rifles, pistols, optics and light machine guns for transfer to Ukraine. 

The primary weapon the team had to get ready for shipment were 5.56x45mm select-fire C7A1 rifles. Made by Diemaco, now Colt Canada, these rifles were made in Canada under license from Colt. The A1 variant is easily identified by its combination of a handguard similar to that of the US M16A2 and its upper receiver which has a length of STANAG Picatinny rail for mounting optics. Since the early 2010s the Netherland’s C7A1s have been progressively upgraded to the C7NLD standard with new adjustable stocks, railed forends and Integrated Upper Receiver (IUR)s. The remaining C7A1s were placed in storage – many still sporting old paint jobs. 

Older C7s with integral carrying handle were also shipped. Note: Another identifying feature noted by numerous Dutch sources is the small QR code armoury tags seen on the right side of the magazine housing (redacted by TAB, via source)

Each rifle had its headspacing, barrel alignment and disconnector and sear checked as well as an overall check for damage or corrosion. On average, if the rifle had no significant defects, the inspection took around five minutes before it was set aside to be prepped for shipment.

So many C7A1s were checked and prepared that the team ran out of the standard C79 ELCAN optics to mount on them, with our source noting that “we used the ELCANs designated for the FN Minimi on the rifles… we also used the ones for the simulator [optics used on electronic indoor training ranges] eventually. We had to remove the front lenses [which allow them to be used on the simulator ranges].”

A Dutch C7A1, fitted with an Aimpoint Comp sight, in the hands of a Ukrainian combatant, c. June 2022 (via social media)

Once the weapons were checked they were mounted with optics. Collimating these involved setting a 300m zero. Which our source said “took the longest of all and really trained our arms. Holding the rifle in the air with one arm and adjusting the optics with the other.” After this they noted that the “tools for inspection and alignment for optics were completely worn out.”

Our source also noted that the Netherlands also transferred a significant number of Gen 3 Glock 17 pistols and some FN Minimi 5.56x45mm light machine guns.

An FN Minimi Para light machine gun, with FDE finish, checked ready for transfer to Ukraine (redacted by TAB, via source)

Along with the more numerous C7A1 rifles, a number of the earlier C7 pattern rifles with a carrying handle and a selector with a 3-round burst option rather than fully automatic found on the C7A1s, were also shipped to Ukraine. These earlier C7s are rarely seen in imagery from Ukraine.

Our source explained that when the weapons arrived at the depot for preparation for shipment “every gun came with one magazine and no optic at first.” But it was decided that rifles needed optics, at first they mounted Aimpoint Comp M3s, then the older 3.4×28 ELCANs, Hi-Mag ELCANs which had originally been mounted on the Dutch Army’s FN Minimis and finally the simulator range ELCANs were used. All of these optics have since been seen in use in Ukraine. 

A 3.4×28 ELCAN and Hi-Mag ELCANs originally fitted to machine guns – with their old operational camouflage paint jobs (redacted by TAB, via source)

The team of armourers were only allowed to prepare surplus material for shipment so rifles which were damaged – some weapons had corrosion, bent barrels, damaged receivers or furniture – were rejected. Some rifles were cannibalised to repair as many defective weapons as possible but with time short only quick, basic repairs were undertaken.

A C7 lower receiver with some corrosion and a rifle with a badly bent barrel (redacted by TAB, via source)

The process took weeks of hard work and while our source couldn’t provide an exact number of rifles prepared for transfer he estimated that just under 10,000 were checked, repaired and prepared for shipment.

Since the team completed its work the weapons they prepared have been seen in numerous photographs and videos from the fighting in Ukraine. [As mentioned earlier] The C7A1 rifles have been seen in use with Ukrainian special operations forces, the Ukraine-aligned Belarusian Kalinouski Regiment and most recently with elements of the 47th Separate Mechanised and Azov brigades. The weapons are easily identifiable by their configuration, the characteristic range of ELCAN and Aimpoint optics and also by the small armory identification tags which can often be seen on the right side of the magazine housing. 

Ukrainian SOF operator at the range with a Dutch C7A1 mounted with an ELCAN Hi-Mag optic (via social media)

When asked what he thought of the rifles being used in Ukraine our source said: “I’m glad to see they are being used there. Makes me proud of my work.” Special thanks to those who helped ID the rifles and to our sources who spoke to us for this article/video!

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DP-64: Russia’s Anti-Saboteur Grenade Launcher In Ukraine

On 20 March, Russia’s State news agency RIA shared a short report from Ukraine. In it an RIA reporter looked at an interesting double-barrel grenade launcher – a DP-64.

The DP-64 was developed in the late 1980s to combat Frogmen/demolition divers. It’s described as an anti-sabotage grenade launcher to protect maritime assets. Designed at NPO “Basalt” the DP-64 is manufactured by ZiD/Degtaryev in Kovrov. 

Factory photo of DP-64 (ZiD)

In the past 18 months ZiD appear to have removed the military products from their website but using archive.org we can look at earlier caches of the site. This version of ZiD’s website from April 2021 shows the DP-64 and gives a short description of the weapon (machine translated below):

“Designed to protect surface ships, submarines (in the surface position), as well as oil and gas production offshore platforms and the coastline by mobile patrols from attack by detected combat divers and saboteurs.

The grenade launcher operates according to the scheme of a dynamo rocket-propelled grenade launcher and provides single firing of FG 45 and SG 45 grenades. It is included in the ammunition load of combat surface submarines and boats.

High-explosive grenade FG-45, which is designed to destroy combat swimmers and signal grenade SG-45, which is designed to indicate the location of combat swimmers.

The grenade launcher is mobile and lightweight. Works in any climatic conditions, easy to operate and maintain.”

In the short report gives very few details and doesn’t even mention the weapon’s name. The video’s caption, however, notes that the DP-64 is being used by a VDV unit stationed at the Kakhovka Reservoir – possibly guarding the reservoir’s hydroelectric plant. A Russian combatant interviewed mentions that it has been used against ‘DRGshnikovs’ or sabotage and reconnaissance groups.

Still from RIA’s report giving a look at the DP-64 (RIA)

An b older Russian news report from around 2015, shows how the weapon is loaded and fired. It has a quadrant sight on its left side and its superposed barrels are loaded from the rear. It fires either fragmentation or indicator 45mm grenades. It has a range of up to 400m according to ZiD and is designed primarily for use against underwater targets.

The RIA news report is the first time I’ve seen a DP-64 in imagery from Ukraine. It is certainly one of the more niche weapons to appear. 

Specifications (from ZiD):

Calibre45mm
Number of barrels2
Weight of grenade launcher10kg
Maximum firing range400m
Overall length820mm

Update – 17/10/23:

Another sighting of a DP-64, posted on a Russian telegram channel. Date and location of photograph unknown.

Update – 2/8/24: A rare sighting of a DP-64 during Russian naval drills, location known.

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Bibliography:

DP-64 In Kakhovka, RIA, (source)

DP-64, ZiD site c. Apr. 2021, (source)

DP-64 Grenade Launcher, Arms-Expo, (source) 

‘Gift For Pirates’, Russian News Report, 2015 (source)

Russia’s Rare A-545 In Ukraine

The Russian A-545 is perhaps the rarest of assault rifles in use in Ukraine. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion last year there have only been a handful of sightings of the rifle which features an internal recoil mitigation system.

The A-545, also known as the 6P67 Kord, is the latest iteration of a long line of rifles which began development back in the late 1970s with the first iteration designated AEK-971, developed for Project Abakan. 

The A-545 is a select-fire rifle with an ambidextrous selector with settings for safe, single shot, 2 round burst and fully-automatic. The rifle is gas-operated and uses a rotating bolt locking action coupled with the BARS recoil mitigation system. The rifle has a reported cyclic rate of 900 RPM. 

Russian troops with A-545 (via social media)

BARS (Balanced Automatic Recoil System) works by shifting mass towards the muzzle-end of the rifle to counter-balance the mass of the bolt and carrier moving towards the rear of the receiver. A pair of synchronised gears in a rack-and-pinion system move the counterweight forward during cycling, powered by the the movement of the bolt carrier as well as gas tapped from the barrel.

Designed by Stanislav Koksharov and developed at the ZiD/Degtyarev Plant in Kovrov. The A-545 development was completed in 2014, adding a new collapsing stock, new furniture and lengths of Picatinny rail. The rifle was tested during the Ratnik equipment trials in 2015 onwards which saw it tested against the AK-12 from Kalashnikov Concern.

The A-545 reportedly faired well in the trials but its more complicated action meant that the AK-12 was selected for wide scale issue while the A-545 was earmarked for elements of the Border Service, special forces, and the national guard (Rosgvardiya). Serial production of the rifles reportedly began in the summer 2020. There is also a 7.62x39mm chambered version, the A-762 or 6P68. 

Patent drawing showing the internal layout of the A-545, note the pair of gears just ahead of the trunnion (Russian Patent)

Before the war the A-545 was also seen with the Rosgvardiya’s SOBR Rys, the VDV’s 45th Independent Guards Spetsnaz Brigade, the 810th Naval Infantry Brigade and elements of Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD), 

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year it has been seen on just a handful of occasions. 

Numerous photos have been posted by RAZVEDOS, a well-known Russian SOF veteran. On 9 April, RAZVEDOS posted a pair of photos featuring himself holding an A-545 along with a short ‘review’, reading:

“Reviews are positive, BUT! Firstly, “KORD” is much more complicated than AK, so it is hardly suitable for a simple soldier – and this applies not only to “conscripts”, because many “contract soldiers” left not far from them. Secondly, if we turn to the facts, i.e. to the test numbers, the combat characteristics of the “KORD”, although higher than those of the AK, are by no means head and shoulders above.“

Given the review is likely based on feedback from VDV Spetsnaz RAZVEDOS visited in April after the Battle of Hostomel the opinion could be based on battlefield experience.

The location these first photos were take is unclear. Several days later, on 13 April, RAZVEDOS shared several more photos featuring an A-545, which appears to be the same rifle, on top of a sleeping bag on a camp bed, in what appears to be a tent. This has frequently been cited as with VDV Spetsnaz at Hostomel (but the original post does not claim this). The rifle is fitted with a 1P87 red dot optic. A third photo, seemingly taken inside a tent, appears to be the same rifle fitted with the 1P87.

A-545 mounted with a 1P87 red-dot optic (via social media)

Late October saw the Russian Ministry of Defense share imagery of recently mobilised troops undergoing training led by an instructor with an A-545. In late December a photo seemingly taken on the back of a moving vehicle shows a A-545 fitted with a Holosun 403/503 red dot sight.

Most recently a photograph of an A-545 in a fighting position said to be in Ukraine was shared. The rifle is seen equipped with 45 round magazine, a suppressor and a Holosun 403/503. This is potentially the same rifle seen in December.

A-545 fitted with Holosun optic reportedly photographed in Ukraine (via social media)

Another question which is regularly asked is – have their been any sightings of the AN-94?  The AN-94 was developed to meet the same requirements laid out by Project Abakan. It reportedly passed state trials and was adopted for service but its complex design means it is rarely seen. There haven’t yet been any confirmed sighting of the AN-94 in Ukraine or with troops training in Russia. If any of the rifles ever appear they’ll definitely be the subject of an article/video.

The A-545 is undoubtedly a more advanced weapon than the more common AK-12 but how many of the rifles are in service is unclear and the extent of their use in Ukraine remains unknown. In the past several months there have been a number of Russian news reports on the rifle including a feature length report from Zvezda and a shorter piece from HTB on production of the rifle. From the limited imagery available it would seem that they have seen some limited in theatre use while instructors back in Russia may also be using the rifles.

Update 17/04/23:

A pair of photos of A-545 in use with the VDV have been shared with TAB by nrxnb. The first photo was reportedly taken by a member of 175th Reconnaissance Battalion with the 76th Guards Air Assault Division (VDV). The 175th took part in the battle of Hostomel. The rifle has been fitted with an 1P87 red-dot optic and has a polymer magazine normally issued with AK-12s.

The second photo was said to have been taken in April, post Battle of Hostomel, by a member of the 45th Guards Spetsnaz Brigade (VDV). Again it appears to have been fitted with an 1P87 red-dot optic and a suppressor.

Update – 23/12/23: A Russian telegram channel shared a photograph of a 6P67 Kord which has been modified, with a rail cut into the handguard, to allow it to mount a grip and bipod.

The individual that modified the rifle provided the caption (machine translated):

“The body kit, of course, is not like that of those who posted it earlier, and there is literally no body kit for it on the market at all. Even the Picatinny rail had to be cut into the standard forend using a small drill, straight arms and such and such a mother. Alpha Arms can, Magpul belt, Magpul fire transfer handle, Atlas bipod, Vortex Viper pen and Vector Optics collimator.
Overall, the machine is excellent, there are pros and cons.”

Update – 9/10/24: A recent image of an A-545 shared by Russian suppressor company Hexagon Tactical. Reportedly shared with them by the rifles user who has equipped the weapon with one of their 5.45mm suppressors. The optic appears to be a ThermTech VIDAR 2.0.

Update – 1/5/25:

Photo of an A-545, c.2022, unconfirmed location.

Specifications (via Rosoboronexport)

Calibre5.45x39mm
Weight (unloaded)3.5kg (7.3lbs)
Stock Collapsed720mm (28in)
Stock Extended960mm (38in)
Maximum Range800m
Feed 30 round magazine
Cyclic Rate900 RPM

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Bibliography:

Military Acceptance “Balanced Avtomat”, 12 Feb. 2023, Zvezda Live, (source)

Automatic Small Arms with Balanced Automatics, Russian Patent #2482417, (source)

BREAKING: Russian Army Accepts Both AK-12 And AEK-971, TFB, (source)

The Russian Balanced-Action A545 Rifle In Action, TFB, (source)

6P67/6P67-1 KORD Assault Rifle, Rosoboronexport, (source)

Meeting Government Orders: Unusually Designed Russian Rifles, M. Popenker, SADJ, (source)

6P68/6P68-1 KORD Assault Rifle, Rosoboronexport, (source)

Serial Production of An Assault Rifle, a Competitor to the AK-12, Has Started in Russia, 1 Jul. 2020, RIA, (source)

Thanks to Rob Lee and also to our friends at StreakingDelilah over on Instagram.

Mk153 SMAW In Ukraine

Recent imagery confirms the presence of the Mk153 SMAW in Ukraine. In the last couple of months there have been sightings of the Mk153 in use at the front and at a Ukrainian Armed Forces training ground. The Mk153 is a shoulder-fired rocket launcher capable of engaging structures and armoured vehicles.

The Mk153’s cousin munition – the one-shot, disposable M141 SMAW-D has been seen in theatre in fairly small numbers since February 2022. We have an earlier article/video looking at the SMAW-D, check that out if you haven’t already.

The Mk153 is primarily used by the USMC and was developed from the Israeli IMI B-300 and introduced in the mid-1980s. So what actually is a Mk153? The USMC describes the SMAW as: 

“a one-man operable, 83 mm smooth bore, shoulder-fired, rocket launcher with a spotting rifle attached to the right side of the launcher tube. The encased rocket is fitted into the aft end of the launcher, and the fiberglass encasement is discarded after use. The spotting rifle, which improves firstround hit probability, is fed 9 mm tracers by a magazine, which holds six rounds. The 9 mm round is ballistically matched to the 83mm rocket.”

The SMAW (or Shoulder-Launched Multi-Purpose Assault Weapon-Disposable) can fire Encased High-Explosive, Dual Mode (HEDM) and Encased High-Explosive, Anti-Armor (HEAA) rockets. The HEDM is an anti-structure and anti-light armour munition with a warhead containing 2.4 pounds Aluminized Comp A-3 capable of penetrating 200mm (8 in) of concrete. The HEDM has a maximum effective range of 250m. The HEAA is a dedicated anti-armour round able to penetrate up to 600mm (23.6in) of rolled homogeneous steel, with a maximum effective range of 500m. It uses a shaped charge warhead with 1.89 lbs Octol explosive. The Novel Explosive (SMAW-NE) has a 4lbs enhanced-blast warhead, containing PBXN-113, designed for bunker busting which the USMC manual describes as “designed to provide enhanced-blast lethality to defeat personnel in reinforced structures and caves.”

Mk153 in Ukraine (via Social Media)

The Mk153 has iron sights and a Mk42 3.8× magnified optic and a 9mm spotting rifle on the side of the launch unit. This spotting rifle fires tracer rounds which match the rocket’s ballistics and can help range the target and aid the operator in applying the right hold for the target. The tracer cartridge that contains a 9mm jacketed bullet with an aft burning .22 calibre tracer element. Spotting rifle magazines for the rockets are supplied on the outside of the rocket carry tube end cap.

The first sighting of a Mk153 in the field came from some B roll footage of a UK Channel 4 News report published on 28 February. It showed men of the Ukrainian 68th Jager Brigade on the front-line near Vuhledar. Several soldiers are seen preparing a Mk153 to fire.

On 17 March a video featuring a Mk153 SMAW being fired at a range was shared on Telegram. It shows a SMAW being fired and a pile of spent tubes and unfired rockets on the ground. The fired and unfired rockets all appear to have yellow bands indicating high explosive munitions – the Mk153’s practice round has a brown band. Sadly, we can’t  make out the other markings which would indicate the type of rounds being fired.

Mk153 in Ukraine (via Social Media)

At the end of March another video of Ukrainian soldiers preparing a Mk153 for firing was shared again at the range. The video gives us the best close up of the launcher in theatre so far and shows not one but two launch units. We get a good look at the tube and the launch unit’s spotting gun on the right hand side. This video shows the weapon being prepared to fire, the rocket is inserted into the launcher and rotated clockwise a quarter-turn to lock it in place before the Ukrainian soldier fires at a target down range.  

Another interesting detail we can see is the white paper hang ing from the rocket. This is a humidity indicator which allows quick visual inspection to see if the rocket might have been compromised by moisture. The indicator on this rocket appears to have pink in all three of its indicators circles, meaning the munition might be compromised, in USMC service this would mean the rocket needs to be returned to the ammunition supply point. Despite this the rocket appears to fire normally and detonate down range. It’s worth noting that the launch unit isn’t fitted with an optic in any of the clips.

Update – 24/05/23: An additional clip of a SMAW being fired in an urban environment, perhaps during the defence of Bakhmut, date unknown.

Update – 25/06/23: A photograph of a Ukrainian combatant with a SMAW share online, June 2023

Update – 25/07/23: A photograph originally posted in December 2022 showing a SMAW launcher with rockets in the background.

Update – 08/08/23: Short video of a Ukrainian combatant firing a Mk153 at a distant (judging by elevation) target.

Update – 3/9/23: An interesting video showing a phone mounted onto a SMAW MK153, this allows a clinometer app to be used to enable the SMAW to be used in the in-direct role, angling the weapon upwards.

Update – 24/09/23: Bravo Rapid Reaction Group training with SMAW Mk153 at the range.

Update – 3/4/23: A combatant from Ukraine’s 3rd Assault Brigade shared video on 27 March of a firing of a SMAW Mk153 at a range, filming date unconfirmed.

Mk153 Specifications (per USMC):

Rocket Launcher
Length29.9 inches
Weight16.9 pounds
Encased rocket (as carried)
Length27.3 inches
Weight12.7 pounds
Caliber83mm
Weapon Ready to Fire
Length53.1 inches
Weight29.0 pounds
Range
Maximum effective (HEDM)250m
Maximum effective (HEAA)500m
Time of flight to 250m 1.6 sec

Support Us: If you enjoyed this video and article please consider supporting our work here. We have some great perks available for Patreon Supporters – including early access to custom stickers and early access to videos! Thank you for your support!

Bibliography

Ukraine War: on the front lines with the 68th Brigade, C4 News, (source)

Introduction to Crew Served Weapons, USMC, (source)

Launcher, Assault Rocket, 83mm (SMAW) MK153 Mod 0, USMC, (source)

RARGOG Polymer Belts

Back in July we looked at polymer belt links developed for PK series machine guns made by a Ukrainian company, the Kharkiv Plant of Personal Protective Equipment – who trade under the name RAROG. Development of the links began back in 2015, and since the Russian invasion in February production of the links has increased.

Unlike the classic metal 7.62×54mmR belts, the new polymer belts are disintegrating – meaning once the round held in the belt link is fired and the next round is loaded it falls out of the gun just as with NATO standard disintegrating belts. This has the advantage of there are no longer being a long empty section of belt trailing from the gun.

A PK with RAROG’s polymer belt links at the range (RAROG)

One question that was regularly asked in the comments of the first video was – can the links not be made from a biodegradable material?  

Speaking RAROG they made it clear that there is currently no possibility of using biodegradable materials to make the belt links as they would not be strong enough for them to work properly. Unsurprisingly, the reality of the situation means a reliable, durable product that won’t fail, with dire consequences, during a firefight is a much more important consideration.

Polymer belt links and fabric belt box (RAROG)

The company relocated from Kharkiv to Lviv following the invasion but quickly re-established manufacturing and tell me that on average 100,000 links are shipping per month, although they have the capacity to produce far more. They are often shipping with their fabric belt bags. The bags and links are largely privately purchased by Ukrainian combatants.

7/2/24 – Update: An 3 OSHBr PK was seen in the field with RAROG links.

Support Us: If you enjoyed this video and article please consider supporting our work here. We have some great perks available for Patreon Supporters – including early access to custom stickers and early access to videos! Thank you for your support!

Bibliography

Thanks to Anton at RAROG for sharing some information and these videos with us. 

RAROG’s Polymer Belt Links, RAROG, (source)

RAROG’s Fabric Belt Bad, RAROG, (source)

Vintage Weapons In a Modern War: The TT-33 Pistol In Ukraine

The fighting in Ukraine has seen a wide range of small arms in use ranging from the cutting edge to the antique. We’ve seen a number of older weapons like Mosin-Nagant rifles, M1910 Maxim machine guns and DP light machine guns in service with both sides. [We’ll take a look at those in future videso] The TT-33 pistol, a pistol which first entered service 90 years ago, is another older weapon which is again seeing action. The examples seen in theatre are likely a mix of privately owned firearms and pistols drawn from Ukrainian stores. 

Introduced in the mid-1930s to replace the 1895 Nagant revolver, over a million TTs have been produced. Designed by Fedor Tokarev the pistol became the Soviet Union’s primary side arm, seeing service during the Second World War alongside the Nagant. 

The TT-33 is a semi-automatic pistol, chambered in 7.62×25mm. It feeds from an 8 round single stack magazine and uses John Browning’s short recoil tilting-barrel action. The TT is an extremely robust pistol and remained in service well into the 1950s with the Red Army and continues in service around the world even today.  

A photo of a TT-33 shared by the TDF’s 127th Kharkiv Brigade (via social media)

Pistol use in general in the current conflict doesn’t appear to be prolific but a considerable number of combatants are frequently seen carrying side arms. Everything from Makarovs and Stetchkins to more modern Glocks and Ukrainian Fort handguns. Pistols are often carried by soldiers working in roles which frequently see them separated from their service rifle and by those who prefer to carry a secondary weapon.

While we’ve seen TT-33s in the hands of Russian and Ukrainian separatist troops in this video we’ll largely focus on Ukrainian use. At the fall of the Soviet Union a considerable amount of surplus small arms fell under Ukraine’s control, including substantial numbers of TT pistols. While not general issue it has been in service with the Ukrainian Army, National Guard and the Border Guard Service. This video definitely isn’t an exhaustive survey of TT use in Ukraine but lets take a look at some examples:

At the start of April 2022 the training department of the command headquarters of the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces have published a number of high quality videos showing how to disassemble and clean the TT.

The Ukrainian YouTube channel, Boys from the Forest (ХЛОПЦІ З ЛІСУ) shared a video looking at the TT in May 2022. They concluded their video by shooting a block of explosive reactive armour with the pistol – to no effect. In June Alina Mykhailova, a medic with 1st separate mechanised battalion “Da Vinci Wolves” shared a photo of some firearms used by the unit, including amongst other things – a TT pistol.

A photo of a TT-33 shared by an International Legion volunteer (via social media)

In around August some members of a TDF unit posed with a Nestor Makhno banner and a DP light machine gun and a TT-33 pistol. A Russian news report from around Soledar, published on 5 August, featured an interview with a soldier carrying a TT in a front pouch of his load bearing equipment. On the 12 August a Ukrainian operator shared a couple of photos of his side arm, a 1945-dated, Izhevsk manufactured TT-33 with wooden grips. Date and location they were taken wasn’t shared.  

In an interesting video posted around the 25 August, a TT-33 is used to test some captured Russian steel plate. Yurii Kochevenko, an officer of the 95th Air Assault Brigade, shoots a one of the plates point black with TT he carries in a webbing holster. The 7.62x25mm round doesn’t cleanly penetrate the plate but appears to impart enough force to crack the metal.

At the end of November the Military Institute at the National University in Kyiv shared photos of cadets taking part in a shooting championship using TT pistols.

On 30 December, the 247th Separate Battalion of the TDF’s 127th Kharkiv Brigade shared a photo of Vitaly, a member of the battalion, armed with an AK-74 and on his plate carrier he has a TT in a Cytac holster. These tactical holsters for the 90 year old pistol retail for around 780 Hryvnia. On the same day Ukrainian personnel shared an update video from their position in Bakhmut, one of them is carrying a TT on his plate carrier.

A TDF officer, call sign Witch, has been seen numerous times carrying a TT-33 as her sidearm. Videos posted to her TikTok on 24 December and 12 January show it in a holster on her plate carrier, with a coil lanyard fitted. A video shared by the TDF Public Relations Service on 19 February also gives us a good look at the TT carried by Witch.

Ukrainian marksman position with a rotary grenade launcher, a UAR-10 and a TT pistol (via social media)

On 26 February 2023, the TDF’s 127th Kharkiv Brigade shared a gallery of photographs featuring the TT on their instagram page. The caption notes that: “Despite the fact that this pistol was actively used even during the Second World War, it is simple in design, reliable in operation, small in size, comfortable to carry and always ready to defeat the Russian invaders.”

A Ukrainian special operations unit shared a photo of a member of the unit sat beside a Russian prisoner while holding two TT-33 pistols, one in its original finish and the other was a camouflage paint job. Most recently at the start of March a Ukrainian marksman active around Bakhmut shared a photo of his position with a rotary grenade launcher, a UAR-10 and a TT pistol.

In addition to the original TT-33s seen in theatre there are also a significant number of former-Yugoslavian M57s which while externally very similar have some improvements, including a slightly longer grip that allows the magazine to hold an extra round.

Update – 25/6/2024:

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Bibliography:

The Procedure for Partial Disassembly and Assembly of a TT pistol, TDF, (source)  

Rules for cleaning and lubricating weapons on the example of a TT pistol, TDF, (source)  

M110 in Ukraine

Since around September 2022 there have been a small but steady stream of sightings of M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper Systems in use with combatants in Ukraine. The rifles began appearing on the southern Kherson front, before the city was recaptured.  While the Ukrainian 7.62x51mm UAR-10 designated marksman rifles are regularly seen intermittent sighting of M110s have continued. 

From the available evidence it appears that special operations units from the Ukrainian Security Service (the SBU), the Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR), the National guard and the Special Operations Forces (the SSO) are the primary users. Units operating with the rifles are believed to include Alpha Group and the 3rd and 8th Separate Special Forces Regiments, as well as a number of groups which, from the available imagery, have been difficult to link with parent units.

M110 with ATN THOR, taken during a range session, note butt extended (via Social Media)

Developed in the early 2000s by Knights Armament Company in response to the US Army’s requirement for a semi-automatic rifle to equip snipers, spotters and designated marksmen the M110 was adopted in 2008. Based on the SR-25, the 7.62x51mm rifle uses Stoner’s internal piston gas impingement system, and has a 20 inch barrel with a 1 in 11 twist. The rifle comes with a QD Knights suppressor and the initial issue optic was a Leupold 3.5–10× variable power daytime optic few of the rifles seen in use in Ukraine appear to be equipped with US issued optics. Both the US Army and USMC have issued the rifle with some variations in optics used and furniture.

A Ukrainian combatants I spoke to told me: “For a marksman, the top weapon. To work at short distances. The PBS system [meaning the integral suppressor] is standard in the kit. It is quiet compared to other rifles.” But he did note that he isn’t part of his unit’ s sniper group and has only used the rifle on the range. 

Three M110s with various optics, note suppressors not fitted, in their transit cases (via Social Media)

Most of the examples in Ukraine have the traditional fixed stock which was issued with the rifles, rather than the FDE Magpul PRS stock which is length and height which the USMC snipers have been issued. However, at least one rifle with a PRS has been seen in a photo and a least one rifle has been fitted with LUTH-AR MBA-1 stocks used on the Ukrainian UAR-10. Perhaps out of preference or replacing a damaged stock. In theatre the rifles have been seen paired with a variety of optics ranging from the original Leupold 3.5-10x variable scopes to ATN THOR 4 thermal optics and even a Trijicon 6×48 ACOG.

The earliest image of an M110 in Ukraine was shared on a Ukrainian telegram channel covering news around the city of Kherson in the early autumn of 2022. The original post is no longer available but shows a sniper in a ghillie suit unmistakably armed with an M110.

Early November saw Ukrainian operators share numerous photographs from a range session where the rifle can be seen fitted with an ATN THOR. December saw more photos shared of what is likely the same rifle, now equipped with a Trijicon 6×48 ACOG.

Two M110s photographed during a range session, one fitted with a LUTH-AR stock (via Social Media)

More photos of the same rifle fitted with the ATN THOR were posted by another operator in mid-November. Bravo Group shared a photo featuring an M110 in early December. Around the same time the F Spets instagram account shared a photo of a winter range session with an M110 visible. The same account shared a photo of three M110s in transit cases. Two of the rifles don’t have their suppressors fitted – though these may have been just removed for cleaning. The cases also show slings, various models of bipod an two have three mags apiece stored in one of the cases slots. As mentioned earlier one rifle has a PRS stock.

In late January a Ukrainian operator shared a montage video with a short clip of a range session with the M110 fitted with a 6×48 ACOG. A Japanese volunteer with the International Legion shared a photo of a scope-less M110 with his cat on 27 January. At the end of February an M110 with a LUTH-AR MBA-1 stock, possibly taken from a UAR-10 was shared. The same operator shared some new photos of M110s in March. The rifle with the LUTH-AR stock is seen again, in a photo with the logo of a group called ‘НЕПТУН’ (Neptune). In a second photo shared on 17 March we can see a pair of M110s, one without its suppressor fitted.

M110 with ATN THOR during a range session (via Social Media)

How many M110s are in use in Ukraine remains unclear but from a survey of the available imagery it appears that the number is relatively small. Multiple individuals have shared photographs of what appears to be the same rifles, not doubt because of its notoriety as a relatively rare weapon in theatre. Sources suggest that the rifles were available on a first come first serve basis when they arrived during the second half of 2022. Since they arrived they have been seen in various configurations and with numerous different optics mounted on them.

Update – 19/05/23: A new image of an M110 in the field was shared in mid-May.

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Bibliography:

My thanks to the guys at the ShriekingDelilah instagram page and to Abraxas Spa, for their help with this article.

Ukrain Adopts New Semi-Automatic Sniper rifle: The UAR-10, TFB, (source)

M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System, DVIDS, (source)

MTs-566 In Ukraine

On 15 March a report from Russia’s Federal News Agency featured an interesting semi-automatic sniper rifle – the MTs-566. The report shows a sniper team from Wagner, Russia’s largest private military contractor, in position in Bakhmut. The date the piece was filmed is unclear but the rifle itself is rarely seen and the footage gives us a decent look at the rifle and even of it firing a couple of rounds.

The MTs-566 is produced by TsKIB SOO, the Central Bureau for Sporting and Hunting Arms at Tula. It’s chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO and uses a short stroke gas piston system. It fulfils a similar role to the US M110 series of rifles or Ukraine’s UAR-10s. The MTs-566 was developed from the OTs-129 designated marksman rifle developed for a Russian military requirement. It has a 60cm or 24in barrel, feeds from 7.62 PMags and has a full length top rail. It also has a pair of folding iron sights and a side folding stock. It has a quad-rail forend and a suppressor which partially shrouds the rifle’s barrel. In the civilian version at least the suppressor is more of an empty expansion chamber without baffles, whether that’s the case with production guns or rifles purchased for military use is unclear. If the expansion chamber can is in use here then it appears to help somewhat. TsKIB SOO list the weight of the rifle as 4.8kg or 10.6lbs and its overall length as 125cm or 49in though other sources do vary slightly. Notably, the weapon’s lower receiver is much shallower with the pistol grip positioned much higher than say on an AR-10, suggesting a different firing mechanism requiring less space than the AR-10’s hammer. 

It was displayed for the first time in 2018 and was reportedly aimed at the civilian hunting market and due to be on sale in 2020. My good friend Hrachya got a good look at one at the 2018 Russian Arms & Hunting Expo. He wrote up a detailed article on it for TFB. The rifle has some interesting features including integral folding iron sights rather than rail mounted sights – the Russian military believed that these could be too easily damaged so Tula engineers designed integral sights, the rear sight folds back into the hinge of the stock. There is also rail space attached directly to the rifles receiver, seemingly for the mounting of accessories. 

The Russian news report says the sniper team is at work in Bakhmut. The sniper describes his rifle and notes its mounted with a 20x optic.  The sniper also says that:“I work at a distance of 700-800, sometimes 1000 [meters],” He also briefly talks about the 7.62x51mm round the MTs-566 uses, noting that: it works well and that it’s a pleasant round to shoot, he also says that while smaller they have good velocity downrange. During the clip the sniper fires two rounds in quick succession while his spotter watches the target downrange. It’s unclear what ammunition they are using but the rifle is said to be capable of 1 MOA accuracy but I couldn’t find any figures from  TsKIB SOO. It’s unclear how many MTs-566s might be in use in the field but this report represents the best look at the rifle we’ve had so far.

Update – 02/04/22:

On 12 March, the Russian Уголок Ситха telegram channel shared a post which included a photo captioned “Russian 7.62×51 mm OTs-129 sniper rifle”, it appears to be an MTS-566.

Update – 21/03/23:

Additional photographs of an MTS-566 with Wagner shared via Telegram.

Update – 17/04/23:

An MTS-566 seen in a RIA news report about Wagner fighting in Bakhmut.

Update – 12/2/24: Snipers of the 108th Guards Air Assault Regiment with MTs-566.

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Bibliography:

How Wagner PMC Snipers Work in Bakhmut, RIAFAN, (source)

TsKIB SOO’s archived website c.2021 (source)

TsKIB SOO MTs-566 Rifle, TFB, (source)

MTs-566, Modern Firearms, (source)

Sniper rifle OTs-129, TopWar, (source)

My thanks top Soviet Army Fan over on twitter for some help with translation.

Black Storm Defender – Standalone GP-25 Grenade Launcher Stock

In an earlier video we looked at the Black Storm series of bullpup conversion kits for AK pattern rifles. Black Storm have also developed an interesting standalone stock for the GP-25 under barrel grenade launcher called ‘Defender’. The impetus for this is s aid to be that the Black Storm rifle kits aren’t able to support the grenade launchers so a standalone stock into which they can be mounted was developed.

The GP-25 is a 40mm grenade launcher designed in the late 1970s by the small arms design bureau based at Tula. It is an under-barrel grenade launcher designed to slide onto standard issued AK-74 pattern rifles. Its ammunition uses a high–low pressure system and has a range of up to 400m.

The most interesting feature of the GP-25 stock is that it has a recoil mitigation system. This appears to be a strong spring in the telescoping stock tube which acts as a buffer. The stock kit is made up of a telescoping stock with butt pad, onto which the grenade launcher is mounted – just as you would onto a rifle, a forward vertical grip can be attached by a clamshell pair of metal stampings with allow the grip piece to be centered and held in place by two cross nuts. There is also a press-fit pistol grip extension for the GP-25’s short grip to help improve ergonomics.

Black Storm list the stock kit without launcher as weighing 200g while the Defender with GP-25 is listed as weighing 500g (1.1lbs). Black Storm sell the V2.0 of the stock for 5,950 UAH ($162). 

A GP-25 in a Black Storm Defender stock (via War_Noir)

With some units also transitioning to NATO calibre rifles like the M4A1, MSBS GROT, FN FNC and F2000 amongst others, the ability to use the GP-25 as a stand alone weapon has proven valuable as the GP-25 can’t be mounted on Western rifles but with ammunition for the grenade launchers still plentiful they can continue to be used.

The earliest imagery I could find of the Defender in the field dates to 22 April, when  Russian reporter War Gonzo posted a short video showing a Defender captured by Separatist DPR troops in Mariupol. The DPR soldier examining it notes that the weapon doesn’t seem to work and also compared it to the GP-25 fitted to his own AKS-74.

In May a good, clear photograph of a GP-25 in a Defender stock was shared, shown fitted with a sling. In mid-May Ukrainian operators shared a video of the Defender being fired at the range.

Also in May a short video of a Defender kit being fitted to a launcher was shared – this particular example apparently requiring some hand fitting to the sheet-metal pieces that attach the forward grip.

A number of other stand alone adapters for GP-25s have also been seen in the field, In late May 2022, this example of a simpler adapter was shared online featuring a rigid stock onto which the grande launcher can be fitted. Simple adapters like this may be craft made in the field or manufactured by commercial companies.

A GP-25 in a Defender stock (via social media)

In June a short video was shared of a Ukrainian soldier firing several high-angle rounds from a GP-25 mounted in a Defender stock, we can see that the sight has been set to its highest elevation.

Ukrainian operators shared another photograph of a GP-25 in a Defender stock in September. The North Side Group shared a photograph of a GP-25 in a Defender at what appears to be a range in mid-September.

Russian operator shared photo of two standalone stocks for the GP-25 – the first is the rigid stock type seen in the photo from May. I haven’t been able to ascertain who produces this stock yet. In these photos, however, it is clear that the butt is wider than the Ukrainian design. The second stock appears to be a Black Storm Defender [Update: since identified as a RGL Север 1].

On 30 November the Belarusian volunteer unit, the Kalinouski Regiment, shared a video demonstrating the Defender, showing how its loaded, fired and carried noting that it is “designed to destroy enemy manpower located in trenches, and open terrain.”

In early January, Assistance Group – a German group active in Ukraine, shared some photographs of load out for operating in urban and woodland environments and a GP-25 in a Defender feature in both photographs.

At the beginning of February 2023 a video was shared featuring an operator with Russia’s SOBR “Granit”, he fires a couple of rounds from a GP-25 in a stand alone stock [Update: since identified as a RGL Север 1].

The ‘Lubart’ Ukrainian special operations forces unit recently shared a number of montage video of operations around Bakhmut. In it one operator loads and fires a Defender several times. The Defender in the clip lacks the pistol grip extension that comes as part of the kit.

A GP-25 Defender and a pair of customised AKs (via social media)

On 2 March a member of the Forward Observations Group shared a photo of is various weapons including a Black Storm Defender. 

Finally, most recently, a short video from a Russian anti-Putin group – the Russian Volunteer Corps, filmed during an apparent raid into Bryansk. The video featured one of the group’s leaders with a Defender slung at his side.  

It’s unclear just how many of these Black Storm Defender stock kits are being used by Ukrainian personnel but they do continue to appear regularly in imagery from the field. While unsurprisingly they appear to be favoured by units armed with Western rifles they are also being used by combatants armed with weapons which could mount a GP-25, perhaps indicating a preference for using the launcher as a stand alone weapon. 

Update 30/04/22 – Russia’s RGL Север 1

Since writing the article further research has discovered a very similar stock design originating from Russia. Developed by a company called RGL (redgreenlight.ru). RGL have developed a number of products including a sight mount for RPG/RPO pattern shoulder-fired launchers and a small light which can illuminate turrets on optics for use in lowlight conditions. They developed their stock for the GP25 and GP34 in 2019, with refinements in 2022. It was reportedly developed independently of the Black Storm Defender – with both companies developing very similar products.

RGL’s website has some specs on their system – the Север 1, noting its length is 480mm and its weight is ‘no more 1100g’. The stock adapter is priced at 17,000 Russian Ruble (or around $220). 

Photos of the Север 1 with GP-25 fitted and disassembled (via RGL)

So similar are the two designs that images at 5:21 and a clip at 6:55 actually show Север 1s rather than Defenders. A Wagner-affiliated Telegram channel posted the photo below, with the caption: “For those who want to order – mid-May production time, place an order in advance.”

An RGL Север 1 fitted with a TAG-35, an airsoft clone of the GP-34 grenade launcher (via social media)

The key differences between the two appear to be a different kind of butt pad, the positioning of the sling loops, some machining on the extension which attaches to the launcher and most fundamentally a reversal of which parts of the stock telescope. On the Defender the rear section telescopes inside the front while on the Север the front portion appears to telescope inside the rear section. The Север 1 does not appear to come with a frontgrip or a grip extension. The Север 1 has been seen in use in Ukraine with Russian combatants.

Full article and video on the GL Север 1 here.

Update – 16 /06/23: Additional images of the Black Storm Defender in use in the field.

(source)
(source)

Support Us: If you enjoyed this video and article please consider supporting our work here. We have some great perks available for Patreon Supporters – including early access to custom stickers and early access to videos! Thank you for your support!

Bibliography:

Black Storm Defender, Black Storm, (source)

Video demonstrating assembly of Defender, Black Storm, (source)

Thanks to the guys at Streaking Delilah, War_Noir and to Abraxas Spa for their help with imagery for this video.