Tag: Ukraine Weapons

Vintage Weapons In a Modern War: Swedish K in Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has seen a plethora of vintage weaponry being used by both sides. Everything from M1910 Maxims to TT pistols. One of the more surprising vintage weapons to turn up is the classic ‘Sweden K’. The Kulsprutepistol m/45 (Kpist m/45) perhaps better known as the Carl Gustaf M/45 has appeared in imagery from Ukraine numerous times over the past two years.

The most likely origin of the venerable submachine guns is either Sweden itself, whose home guard ceased using it in 2007, or Estonia, which received a number of the weapons from Sweden in the 1990s and for a time issued them to elements of thier Defence League.

Manufactured by Carl Gustafs stads gevärsfaktori from 1945 through to the mid-1960s the m/45 is a standard blowback submachine gun chambered in 9x19mm. The initial version had a detachable magazine well that enabled the weapon to feed from either a 36-round magazine or from Suomi KP/-31 (m/37-39 in Swedish service) magazines. The later m/45B variant permanently attached the magazine well limiting the weapon to feeding from the standard 36 round box magazines. The m/45B also incorporated a reinforced receiver end cap.

The earliest sighting of a ‘Swedish K’ in Ukraine I’ve found dates to early March 2022 when a member of the Krym Battalion posted a photograph of some of the weapons available to him; an AK-74, a Walther P99, an M7 bayonet and a Carl Gustaf M/45B.

Another image of a Ukrainian serviceman with an M/45 surfaced around the 23 March, but I’ve been unable to find the original source for the image so have little context for it.

In early May an photograph of an older member of the Ukrainian Armed Forces was shared on a number of sites, he’s seen sat in a vehicle holding up an M/45 with a sling attatched.

In mid-May 2022 another M/45 surfaced in a photograph from a member of Krym Battalion, which is a part of the International Legion. It’s unclear if this photograph was posted by the same member who shared a photograph of his weapons in March, but the wear marks on the gun appear quite similar.

On 10 November, a daily update post from the Ukrainian General Staff included a photograph of an individual holding an M/45 with a sling, while the unit the individual belongs to isn’t stated given the contents of the post he may have been assigned to a unit on the border with Belarus.

Throughout most of 2023 sightings of M/45s were rare but in mid-June a member of the National Guard posted a short video featuring himself holding a Swedish K as other members of his unit walk behind him, two of the passing men also carry slung M/45s.

On the 28 September, a Swedish volunteer posted a photograph of himself holding an M/45 he came across on the frontline, he captioned the post: “Photo of when I found a mint condition Swedish K with 39B ammo out close to the front. Just an awesome rare Swedish Gun to see in use by a Medic.” The unit where the M/45 was encountered was the 131st Separate Recon battalion. This suggests the photograph may have been taken earlier in the summer of 2023 and also that M/45s may be used by medics. The mention of the Swedish 39B 9mm ammunition which was specifically issued with the M/45 is also interesting. Most notably, however, is the presence of the attachment assembly for an original Swedish spent cartridge case catcher bag.

October saw the first video of a Swedish K being fired. A short clip was shared on Instagram showing an M/45B being fired at the range with what appears to be a red dot optic mounted forward on the perforated barrel shroud.

Several months later, on 11 December, a medic with the 12th Ukrainian National Guard Brigade “Azov” shared a photograph of himself holding an M/45. Later in December a member of the 78th Separate Assault Regiment ‘Herts’ shared a photo, on 21 December 2023, with the caption ‘lend lease again’, he’s holding up a behind him can be seen several DP-27 light machine guns and some AK-pattern rifles.

Interestingly, none of the M/45s have the green paint finish which was used on some of the Swedish Armed Forces’ guns but have clearly shipped with original slings and in one case a brass catcher attachment. Also none of the guns in the imagery from Ukraine appear to have the end cap reinforcement typically see on the Swedish Army’s M/45Bs. While the guns have the M/45B’s fixed magazine well they don’t seem to have the characteristic pair of rivets and hooked end cap. It’s difficult to positively identify the variant as the guns’ markings aren’t visible in any of the imagery. With little context for some of the imagery and relatively few sightings of the guns in Ukraine its difficult to pinpoint the types of unit which are receiving them but it is conceivable that the guns have been decimated amongst a number of different types of unit including frontline elements of the Ukrainian National Guard, International Legion and Army.

Update – 21/01/24: From Swedish sources I’ve spoken to these M/45s are early spec guns which may have been in storage and were refit later. Retrofitted with fixed magazine wells but not the reinforced end cap as the ammunition that necessitated this was no longer in use.

Update – 22/01/24: Another photograph posted November 2023.

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:

thank you to the researchers at Weapons Illustrated, Cloooud and Ukraine Weapons Warfare

https://www.gotavapen.se/gota/artiklar/kpist/swede_45.htm 

Swedish RBS-17 Missiles in Ukraine

In June 2022 Sweden announced it would provide Robot-17 (RBS-17) coastal defence missiles to Ukraine. These missiles are used by Sweden’s Amphibious Corps to interdict the movement of enemy vessels along Sweden’s coast.

RBS-17 is a Bofors Defense (now Saab Bofors Dyanmics) led development of the AGM-114 Hellfire. Work on the Swedish coastal defence missile began in the 1980s. It is man-portable with the missile weighing 48kg in addition to the launcher, firing system and laser targeting module. It is typically operated in the field by five man teams, with two operating the laser targeting system and three on the weapon itself.

RBS-17 launch October 2023 (via social media)

On launch the missile climbs to several hundred metres and seeks the laser-marked target. The system has a maximum range of around 8km and carries a 9kg high explosive warhead. While designed to engage vessels the RBS-17 can also be used against ground targets.

On 2 June 2022, the Swedish government announced the transfer of an undisclosed number of RBS-17s. They are believed to have been seen in theatre for the first time in a video published on 20 October, although it appears it may have been filmed earlier. The video was shared by a group called ‘Bigcats’, the lo-res clip shows the launch of a pair of missiles. ‘Bigcats’ haven’t shared any further imagery of the missiles since.

In September 2022 the Norwegian government also announced plans to provide Ukraine with their Hellfire-derived Norwegian Shore Defence Missile System. The transfer of 160 missiles and associated equipment was announced in response to a Ukrainian request. In late March 2023 photographs of several pieces of wreckage from one of the missiles was posted on Telegram. It was hypothesised that they were found in the area of ​​the Kinburn Spit and had been fired across the water by an element of the 73rd Naval Center of Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces.

An RBS-17 launch, c.September 2022 (via social media)

It was over 8 months before another video of a the weapons in action was shared. In mid-August 2023 a brief clip was published showing a Hellfire-patterned missile (which may be an RBS-17) being fired and apparently detonating downrange. Several months later at the end of October perhaps the best piece of footage of one of the missiles being launched was shared. In the video we can see the missile being launched and as the camera pans the laser targeting module can also be seen.

In August 2023, Army Inform, the news agency of Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, published an article outlining how the RBS-17 is used noting that it is most frequently used against Russian defensive positions, dugouts or lightly armoured vehicles. The article included a photograph of a display showing the RBS-17 set up. In the background a Ukrainian combatant can be seen sat on a missile case, he’s wearing the patch of the Zaporizhzhia-based 27th River Fleet Division (27 ODnRK).

An RBS-17 launch in Ukraine Nov/Dec 2023 (via Swedish MoD)

On the 18 December, the Swedish government published an article about Ukraine’s use of the RBS-17 and the training the Swedish armed forces provided on the system. The article explains that Ukrainian personnel were secretly trained on the system. The training appears to have been carried out during Summer 2022 and took place in time to coincide with the delivery of the RBS-17s. Swedish personnel have also continued to be on call for answering the technical and operational queries of the Ukrainian teams using the system.

The Swedish article also included a short video of one of the missile systems in operation in Ukraine. The team appears to be in cover behind a wall. The GoPro footage shows the missile near by and the control unit as well as transport cases near by. A Polish MSBS Grot rifle can also be seen leaning on the wall next to the operator.

Update – 22/05/24:

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!

Ukraine’s Giant Rifle – the Snipex Monomakh

There are a significant number of different large calibre anti-materiel rifles in use in Ukraine. One of the largest is the Monomakh, a 14.5×114mm semi-automatic, box magazine-fed anti-materiel rifle from the Ukrainian company Snipex. Snipex is a subsidiary of the XADO Chemical Group.

Snipex are well known for their series of precision anti-materiel rifles which includes the M100, T-Rex and Alligator. The Monomakh, introduced in 2021, is the company’s first semi-automatic rifle. It is recoil operated and feeds from a 5-round box magazine. It has a barrel 1,200mm [47.2in] long and an overall length of 2,050mm [6.7 feet], Snipex list its weight without a magazine as 25kg [55lbs]. The rifle has a listed muzzle velocity of 950 to 980 m/s and an effective range of just under 2,000 metres [1.2 miles]. The weapon is fired from a bipod with a monopod supporting the butt of the rifle. It’s key feature is its reciprocating barrel which helps soak up the recoil from the 14.5mm cartridge.

A scopeless Monomakh at the range (via social media)

The Monomakh appears in imagery from Ukraine fairly infrequently, the earliest sighting of one of the rifles I could find was a photograph posted by a GUR member in late April 2022. Subsequently a number of videos of the weapon being fired at ranges by Ukrainian combatants was published in the Summer of 2022. The first posted on 7 August, shows a magazine being loaded into the rifle and the weapon chambering a round. Later that month a short video of a Monomakh firing at a range was published.

Snipex Monomakh (Snipex)

The earliest photograph of one of the guns I could find in 2023 was shared by a Ukrainian combatant in mid-July. Several months later, in September 2023, another Ukrainian combatant shared a photograph of himself holding up a Monomakh at a range. The same combatant also shared a short clip of himself firing the rifle, again at the range. In the clip he appears to be firing the rifle without sights or an optic. He is also seen helping the bolt into battery after each shot, the bushing which guides the barrel as it recoils into the receiver appears to have come loose. The rifles are typically paired with substantial optics, Snipex offer two of their own 6–24×56 scopes, the Jove 50 and the Galaxy G50. In late October, a female sniper with the 3rd Shock Brigade, posted several photographs and a video of herself firing a Monomakh from a position inside a building.

A Ukrainian combatant holds up a Monomakh (via social media)

The large size and hefty weight of the Monomakh limits it applications somewhat but the 14.5mm round is useful against light armoured vehicles, buildings and field fortifications – the main limitation is getting it in, and out, of position to engage targets. There are videos of it taking two men to move the similarly heavy T-Rex and Alligator rifles. From the limited sample of imagery of the Monomakh in theatre it is difficult to gauge how widespread its use actually is. The simpler to manufacture bolt action Snipex rifles are seen more frequently.

My thanks to Cloooud and AbraxasSpa for help sourcing some of the imagery used in this article/video.

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!

HK MG5s in Ukraine

A dozen different types of light and general purpose machine guns are in use in Ukraine, one of the newest is the Heckler & Koch MG5.

In May 2023, the German government announced a package of aid which would include 100 HK MG5 7.62x51mm general purpose machine guns. In September, evidence of their arrival in theatre began to surface with Ukrainian combatants sharing imagery of the brand new weapons.

The transfer of MG5s by the German government is interesting as the Bundeswehr themselves have only recently begun to receive the guns. The MG5 officially entered German service in 2015 but procurement has only recently ramped up with around 10,000 currently estimated to be in inventory. The MG5 is a gas-operated 7.62x51mm general purpose machine gun with a variable rate of fire and is intended to replace the MG3. It fires from an open bolt and it’s action is locked by a rotating bolt head. The guns themselves are listed on the German government’s aid-tracking page as “being deliveries from industry stocks financed by German funds for security capacity building.” This indicates that the transfer was probably not made direct from Bundeswehr stores.

Jurado posted the first photo of an MG5 in Ukraine (via Social Media)

On 20 September, Jurado – a Spanish member of the International Legion, shared the first photograph of an MG5 in Ukraine. Several days later on 22 September, omega_team_gur shared another photograph of the MG5 at the range. According to Jurado his unit received three of the guns.

A week later Greek International Legion members shared the first video of one of the guns mounted on a Lafette tripod. Through discussions with some of the combatants whose units have received the MG5s not all the guns came with tripods. A member of a Ukrainian Military Intelligence Directorate, the GUR, team told us that the guns came in bags with accessories including an optic, bipod, cleaning kit, manual and spare barrel.

An MG5 in its transport bag (via Social Media)

A member of the GUR, callsign Shock, shared a photo with an MG5 on 28 September, and several more the next day. Shock told TAB that his unit had received two of the MG5s and that while they’re cool pieces of kit the are heavy “13+ kg without ammunition” [HK lists the MG5A2’s weight as 11.5kg or 25lbs]. Shock’s team appears to be one of the few GUR teams not made up of international volunteers to receive the guns. He also shared a photograph of two MG5s sat in their transport bags.

On the 30th September Omega Team shared another group photograph featuring an MG5 and several days later on 2 October, a member of the GUR’s Shaman battalion, shared a photograph of himself holding a new MG5. Another member of the Shaman battalion also shared a photograph of an MG5 in its transit case/bag. It can seen fitted with a Hensoldt 4x30i optic and a cleaning kit and a number of belt pouches can be seen in the case. Knights, another GUR team, shared a photograph featuring an MG5 on 6 October. This was followed on the 10 October by a unit photograph with an MG5 seen at the back of the group. During the same week, another SOF group made up of international volunteers, Black Maple, also shared a photograph featuring an MG5.

An MG5 mounted in a Lafette tripod at the range (via Social Media)

Another team, Operation 21 Group, posted a photograph on 16 October of an MG5 mounted on a Lafette tripod at the range. The gun is again paired with the Hensoldt optic. On around the 17 October, a member of the Kraken Regiment, also part of the GUR, posted a photograph holding one of the MG5s. Several days later the first glimpse of an MG5 being used in combat was shared by a GUR team, the MG5 can be heard firing and is just visible though the foliage.

On the 22 October the GUR’s Stugna Battalion also shared a promotional video featuring one of the MG5s. On 24 October imagery from a number of photographers showed members of the International Legion’s new Siberian Battalion training. Amongst an interesting array of small arms the battalion’s trainees also appeared to have a single MG5.

The team at GRaft, a Ukrainian company which fabricates ammunition boxes for machine guns, shared some video of testing of one of their boxes with an MG5 in late October. At the beginning of November Tactical Group Athena, another GUR team, shared a team photograph featuring not one but two MG5s.

Later in November, the Knights shared a series of photographs and clips featuring the MG5. The first was posted on 4 November, showing the gun in a fighting position. This was followed on the 13 November, by a short video of an MG5 firing from its bipod in a frontline position in the trenches feeding from a British 7.62x51mm ammunition box. I spoke to one of the members of Knights about the MG5 and they described it as ‘a fantastic weapon’ and while “a bit on the heavy side [it’s] still a good weapon system and we love to use it!”

A member of Rogue Team holds an MG5 in a frontline trench (via Social Media)

Omega team shared another group photo featuring an MG5 on 12 November. Later that week Rogue Team posted a photograph of two combatants in a frontline trench, one is seated holding an MG5. A week later the GUR shared a video on their YouTube channel about their amphibious operations in Crimea, on 16 November, with an MG5 briefly appearing in part of the sequence. Towards the end of November a video from the Knights team thanking people for kit donations also featured an MG5. On the 14 November, an element of the Kraken Regiment, Special Assault Company, shared a promotional video featuring a drive by with an MG5 being fired out the window of a vehicle at a range. On the 19 November Rogue Team shared a team photograph, with one combatant holding an MG5, a day later a member of the team shared a short clip from the range showing the MG5 in action with the caption ‘I love MG5’. Finally, on the 26 November another MG5 was seen in a photograph of members of Kraken.

All of the guns appear to have HK’s RAL 8000 (FDE-ish) finish and are of the MG5 A2 configuration with the shorter 460mm (18in) barrel. The guns also appear to have been provided with Hensoldt 4x30i ‘intermediate range targeting optics’. From the imagery which has surfaced so far we can see that the MG5s have predominantly been issued to special operations forces including teams from the GUR and possibly the SSO. Despite the small number of guns officially confirmed to have been transferred they have been widely photographed in theatre and when asked by TAB comments from combatants using them have largely been positive. It is unknown what quantity of spares were provided with the guns or if more may be provided by Germany in the future.

Thank you to friends at Cloooud and at StreakingDelilah for their help gathering imagery for this video.

Update – 2/12/23:

Ukrainian combatant, Valgear, shared a photo of an MG5 in a Lafette tripod fitted with a thermal optic. Both the gun and optic have apparently been damaged by shrapnel.

Update – 03/12/23:

Machine gun training (Bundeswehr/KSK)

The Bundeswehr issued a statement on training Ukrainians SOF members and shared a photograph of Ukrainians training on MG3 and MG5 machine guns. Unlike the guns seen in Ukraine the MG5s have 550mm (22in) barrels.

Update – 9/12/23:

Another GUR team, Stugna, have shared photos of an HK MG5 in recent weeks.

Update – 13/12/23: The recently formed Sibir Battalion were photographed again training with an MG5.

Update – 11/1/24: GoPro footage of an MG5 in action, reportedly from the GUR’s Rogue Team.

Update – 18/2/24: A platoon of the Sibir Battalion photographed with an MG5.

Update – 16/04/24: HK MG5 with optic.

Update – 7/6/24: Rogue, a GUR direct action team, shared some video of their machine gun team in action near Kupyansk in November 2023. It gives a great look at the MG5 in action and also features a brief glimpse of the gun’s spare barrel and it’s reload drills.

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:

Military Support for Ukraine, Bundesregierung, (source)

HK MG5, Heckler & Koch, (source)

MG5 – Bundeswehr Receives Additional Machine Guns, S&T, (source)

For more on Germany’s aid to Ukraine check out deaidua.org

Swedish G3s in Ukraine?

In recent weeks imagery from Ukrainian social media accounts has emerged to suggest that Swedish G3-pattern, Ak4B, rifles may have begun to be issued to units in Ukraine. Several photographs and videos have been shared via social media by Ukrainian combatants featuring the distinctive rifles. Further investigation, however, suggests the rifles may not be in use in Ukraine.

Still from a video of a Ukrainian sniper firing an Ak4B at the range, 17 November (via social media)

The initial imagery posted by two accounts appear to feature three of the rifles, all of the rifles seen appear to have tape on their butts. They are all fitted with scopes with at least one optic appearing to be a Schmidt & Bender PM II 3-12×50.

Photograph posted by a Ukrainian showing an Ak4B at the range fitted with a PMII optic, 20 November (via social media)

The Swedish Ak4 is license-manufactured version of the 7.62×51mm Heckler & Koch G3. Produced by Carl Gustafs stads gevärsfaktori and Husqvarna Vapenfabrik, the Ak4 entered Swedish service in 1965. It was replaced by the 5.56×45mm Ak5 in the mid-1980s but today remains in service with Sweden’s Hemvärnet (home guard).

In 2002, Sweden upgraded the first Ak4s to the Ak4B standard. Removing both front and rear iron sights and adding a length of Picatinny rail for mounting an optic. The rifles seen in the recent photographs have also been outfitted with a tri-rail forend, these are produced by a number of manufacturers, including Swedish Ordnance, and an adjustable bipod.

Photo of a Ukrainian sniper firing an Ak4B at the range, 17 Nov., note the railed forend and bipod (via social media)

Notably in January 2023, Sweden announced a major aid package for Ukraine which was said to include ‘assault rifles’ it is unclear if these rifles were Ak4s or another weapon. I reached out to the Swedish government about whether the recently sighted rifles had been provided to Ukraine but no comment was provided at the time of publication.

Photo showing a pair of Ak4Bs with optics c.19 November (via War_Noir)

Subsequent social media posts and conversations with Ukrainian personnel who shared imagery suggests that the rifles are Ak4s. However, they aren’t in Ukraine but Latvia.

Latvia received a number of Swedish Ak4s and they are currently used by the Latvian National Guard. The Latvians are in the process of replacing the rifles with G36s, however, some may continue in the designated marksman role. It appears that the imagery posted by the Ukrainian combatants which features the rifles was taken during training in Latvia. Latvia has so far trained 3,000 Ukrainian personnel. From posts on their social media it appears that elements of Ukraine’s 3rd Shock Brigade are currently in Latvia.

The author of this photograph (featuring another Ak4B in the same configuration) confirmed that it was not taken in Ukraine (via social media)

Another Ukrainian combatant who shared another photograph of the muzzle end of an Ak4, notable for its ground off front sight, seemingly taken in the back of a truck also confirmed that his photograph was not taken in Ukraine but Latvia.

There has previously been confusion around whether a weapon is in use in Ukraine or whether Ukrainian troops are simply using the weapon while training abroad. This has been seen with the SA80 in the UK and the HK G36 in Spain and Lithuania.

In addition to Latvia, Sweden also provided Lithuania with Ak4 pattern rifles, these are now in service with the Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Forces. Similarly, Sweden also provided the Estonian Defence Forces with Ak4s. These countries have also provided training. Given the levels aid provided by Sweden and the three Baltic states it is possible we may eventually see Ak4 pattern rifles in Ukrainian service. Despite anticipation of seeing G3s in Ukrainian service, these rifles do not represent the first G3-pattern rifles to be seen in Ukraine.

Update – 19/2/24: Several G3s in the same configuration as those seen in earlier Latvia training photos recently surfaced.

10/9/24 – Update: another photograph of hat appears to be an AK4 with Ukrainian personnel, location unknown.

The photograph above is one of a series taken by Ukrainian photographer Yara.sva, the photographs are tagged as being taken in Ukraine.

Update 19/9/24:

The 3rd Assault Brigade has shared a detailed album of photos showing marksmen from the brigade training with what appear to be AK4Bs. The location the photographs were taken is not disclosed but there is nothing to confirm that the training was undertaken in Ukraine and no information in the original post’s caption. It is possible that, like earlier AK4B photos, these were taken during training outside of Ukraine, likely in one of the Baltic states. The photographs appear to have been taken at the same time (and possibly by) those shared earlier by Yara.sva.

Update 1/10/24: Additional photos by Yara.sva featuring an AK4.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAiieYKIn1o/?igsh=b2YwaXoxdmt6NmRi

Support Us: If you enjoyed this 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!

French FR2 Sniper Rifles in Ukraine

On 5 October, a combatant in Ukraine shared photograph of himself with a French FR F2 sniper rifle. The 7.62x51mm rifles have only been sighted in theatre once before in March 2022, when a single F2 was seen. The origins of that rifle are unclear as no further rifles were subsequently seen. The rifle may have been acquired as surplus or another potential origin for the rifle is as aid from either Estonia or Lithuania who previously issued the rifle.

Most recently, on 5 October, Ukrainian outlet Tysk shared three photographs, provided by one of their subscribers, featuring another FR F2. The photographs featured a rifle and a SAGEM Sword Sniper 3-in-1 optic (a telescopic sight, thermal weapon sight, and laser rangefinder) which is part of the FELIN System. The presence of the SAGEM Sword optics may suggest that France have provided a batch of the rifles and accompanying optics.

The rifle appears to be mounted with a SCROME J8 scope which the rifle is typically paired with in French service. The FR F2 is being replaced in French service by the FN SCAR-H PR which may mean that France can pass on its surplus F2s to Ukraine.

It remains to be seen if further examples of the FR F2s will be seen. If a substantial number have been transferred by France then further examples will likely be sighted in the future.

France has also transferred a considerable number of armoured vehicles and a unknown quantity of general purpose machine guns including AANF1s and FN MAGs. Most recently, on 13 September, a FAMAS with the Valorisé upgrade, which adds rails, was seen in a range video posted by a Ukrainian combatant. There has been no further sightings of FAMAS in theatre to date. Individual sightings can’t be considered representative of wider use or considerable transfers of weapons until further examples are seen in theatre.

Update – 1/12/23: The French Assemblee Nationale has published a document which outlines the equipment, but not quantities, provided to Ukraine by France. It confirms the provision of both FAMAS, various calibres of machine gun and precision rifles.

Update – 14/12/23:

Update – 10/3/24: The French government has released an updated document listing the equipment and some of the quantities provided to Ukraine. The document states that 30 ‘Fusil de precision’ (precision rifles) have been provided between 1 March, 2022 and 1 May, 2024.

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!

Russian Pilots Fielding PP-2000s & PLK Pistols

On 29 September delegations from the defence departments of member states of the Russian-led Commonwealth of Independent States were shown around the JSC Instrument Design Bureau in Tula. During the tour Russia’s defence minister Sergei Shoigu demonstrated a PP-2000 submachine gun. Also present was Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Aerospace Forces Yuri Grekhov who explained that the PP-2000 is now part of the emergency kit stored under Russian aircrew seats.

Grekhov’s statement confirms what has been anticipated for a while. Back in June, TASS reported that during the International Naval Show (IMMS-2023) Rostec/High-Precision Complexes (the parent company which offers the PP-2000) had confirmed that the weapon was “currently undergoing trials in the Aerospace Forces (VKS) of the Russian Federation.” This was confirmed by a post on Rostec’s website on 19 June.

A PP-2000 and a new PLK pistol at the range for testing (via FighterBomber)

The PP-2000 is a compact submachine gun, designed at the Instrument Design Bureau in Tula in the 1990s. The weapon is a conventional blowback which feeds from 20 or extended 44 round magazines which are loaded into the pistol grip. It is chambered in 9x19mm and can fire Russia’s standard 9mm ammunition or the armour piercing 7N21 and 7N31 rounds. It has a reciprocating charging handle which runs parallel over the barrel. It is characterised by its front grip which connects to the pistol grip to act as a large trigger guard. It can be fitted with a suppressor and has a side folding stock and a small length of rail on the top of the receiver for mounting optics. Other accessories such as lights or lasers can be attached to the base of the front grip. According to Rosoboronexport the weapon weighs 1.4kg (or just over 3lbs) unloaded and with the stock folded is 35cm (13.7in) in length.

Typically, aircrew have carried Makarov or Stechkin pistols but better equipping Russian pilots has long been a consideration with not all aircraft able to fit larger weapons such as rifle or carbines. This has reportedly been driven by experiences in Syria and more recently in Ukraine. During the battle of Hostomel airport in March 2022, a damaged KA-52 attack helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing. It’s crew were able to dismount and take up positions and await retrieval. They were armed with AK-74Ms, however, the confines of other Russian aircraft do not allow rifles to be carried.

PP-2000 (Rosoboronexport)

In a December 2019 interview with Lt.Gen. Nikolai Gostev, commander of the 4th Air and Air Defence Forces Army, Interfax asked if PP-2000s will be fielded. Gostev replied [machine translated]: “Currently, several promising samples of portable emergency supplies for flight personnel are being tested, which also include promising samples of small arms. The tests are carried out by specialists from the Gromov Flight Research Institute, and after their completion it will be decided which portable emergency supplies will be put into service.”

In May 2021, it was reported that Shoigu had directed the process for a compact personal defence weapon to be added to aircrew’s survival kits to be expedited. At the same time the PPK-20, from Kalashnikov Concern was also suggested as an option. Russian news reports noted that personal defence weapons would be added to the emergency kits aboard Su-27, Su-30SM, Su-35, Su-57, MiG-29 and MiG-35 as well as Su-24 and Su-34s.

Russian pilot demonstrating a PP-2000 during a Zvezda news report (Zvezda)

On 23 June 2023, during the failed Wagner advance on Moscow, General Sergey Surovikin, then Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces, appeared in a video calling on Wagner to stand down. In his hand could be seen a PP-2000 outfitted with an optic, light and suppressor.

Surovikin with PP-2000 (Russian MoD)

In September 2022, the Fighterbomber telegram channel shared a post lobbying for the AM-17 rather than the PP-2000, rightly arguing a pistol calibre submachine gun is next to useless against combatants wearing body armour. Another major Russian telegram channel, Повёрнутые на Z войне, welcomed the wider issue of the PP-2000 in a post from late December 2022, sharing a photo of a PP-2000. The post also suggested that until then only Guards Aviation units had been issued them.

In January 2023, Fighterbomber began to report on the apparent testing of the PP-2000 and the PLK pistol, claiming that despite the order for three months testing positive reports from those involved had already been ordered.

A PP-2000 belonging to crew of a in an MI-8amtsh cargo helicopter, December 2022 (via @nrxnb)

In April 2023, Fighterbomber posted a review of the new PP-2000 and PLK. The post described the PLK as “a great gun. Powerful, comfortable and precise.” Praise for the PP-2000 was less forthcoming with the post noting: “PP-2000 is still jamming every now and then… still need 44-round magazines and a 7N31 cartridge for the PP.”

A new PLK pistol (via FighterBomber)

On 2 October, following Shoigu and Grekhov’s comments at Tula, Zvezda published a short report from a survival training centre. During the clip an Su-30SM pilot explains that “particular attention was paid to tactical shooting, survival in extreme conditions and tactical medicine.” The video shows pilots training in escape and evasion skills and sees them deploy their new PP-2000s. The video concludes with the two air crew firing both the PP-2000 and the PLK at the range.

The PLK pistols, from Kalashnikov Concern, are the latest iteration of the Lebedev pistol introduced in 2015 as the PL-14. The PLK was reportedly adopted by Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs in October 2021 but sightings with Russian pilots are the first sightings of regular Russian military use. If more of the PLKs appear in use they’ll be a topic for a future article/video.

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

PP-2000, Rosoboronexport, (source)

Other sources linked in text

Heavy Drone Bombers Dropping Anti-Tank Mines

Drone warfare in Ukraine is one of the war’s most rapidly evolving elements with considerable innovation and improvisation. In recent weeks several videos have been shared showing large drones dropping TM-62 anti-tank mines.

The first video shared on 3 September showed how a mine could be carried and released by a large six-rotor drone. The TM-62M is seen loaded into a cradle tray which is then remotely triggered causing the floor plate to hinge and release the mine. The video also shows how the TM-62 is fuzed with a UZRG-pattern hand grenade fuze, pushed directly into the mine’s explosive through a hole cut in the side of its casing.

The TM-62M is a high-explosive blast landmine designed to immobilise or destroy vehicles. The mine is packed with 7.5kg (17lbs) of explosive and is normally centrally fuzed by a pressure fuze. The TM-62M is a significant payload for a bomber drone and when dropped they have significant blast effect.

A subsequent video, shared on 6 September, shows a series of clips filmed by the bomber drone’s camera showing the TM-62 being dropped on numerous targets. The mines in this video have been significantly adapted with a stabilising tail added. The tail appears to be made up of a length of PVC pipe and a large water battle with its base cut off. The tail appears to be quite effective especially given the mine’s considerable weight and poor aerodynamics. It is also notable that the fuzing system appears to be different in the second video. Rather than a hand grenade fuze it appears that a larger fuze has been used, positioned next to the stabilising tail.

With the tail and its cut down water bottle its unlikely the release system for this munition is the same as that seen in the first video. A system which would allow for a smooth release and not snag the tail assembly would be needed. In several of the clips in the second video a strap swings past the drone’s camera perhaps suggesting there is a sling system in use.

A subsequent photograph shared on social media shows one of the mines in much better resolution. The tail is indeed made from PVC piping and a water bottle and the fuze appears to be vane-armed. The makers also have a sense of humour likening the odd-looking munition to the ‘USS Enterprise’ from Star Trek, they’ve written ‘USS Enterprise NCC-0001’ on the forward section of the mine.

At the same time as the photograph a number of additional videos showing the TM-62 based bombs being dropped were shared. These videos were originally shared towards the end of August and show a series of successful munition drops.

We are seeing a trend towards more sophisticated and more capable drone bombers which can carry either greater numbers of smaller bombs or larger singular bombs like the TM-62 munition.

Update – 1/10/23

The K-2 drone team with the 54th Brigade has shared footage of one of their drones dropping TM-62s mines on a Russian checkpoint and storage position. The drone appears to drop several unadapted TM-62s, though the lag time between landing and detonation would indicate they are not equipped with an impact fuze but perhaps a grenade fuze as seen in the initial videos featuring TM-62s. The resolution of the thermal cameras does not make it possible to identify the method of fuzing.

Note the falling TM-62 (with tape) and the swinging drop tray (K-2)

The release system appears to consist of a tray which holds the mine which is suspended by straps which are released to drop the munition. The tray can be seen swinging beneath the drone after one of the drops. The munitions appear to have tape around them, the reason for this is unclear, perhaps protecting the fuze system.

Update – 5/1/24: A video compilation showing numerous drops of TM-62s was shared on 5 January 2024. It begins with a demonstration of a light weight drop tray being released. The tray appears to be made from a metal grill (perhaps from an oven or an animal cage). The compilation shows mines being dropped without tail assemblies like those seen in earlier videos. Their are also visible puffs of gases/smoke from the mine’s fuze being triggered as it descends.

Update – 11/1/24:

Update -17/1/24: Further footage of TM-62 pattern mines being dropped from drones. Note a tail stabiliser is not used.

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:

TM-62M Landmine, CAT-UXO, (source)

Fuzes, CAT-UXO, (source)

BAS-80: Russia’s Switchblade Loitering Munition

Reports from Russian media outlets announced on 18 September, that Android Technics/Technology, a Russian technology company, had developed an analogue of AeroVironment’s Switchblade 300 loitering munition. Imagery and footage of the BAS-80 was shared by Russian state news outlet RIA.

Android Technology’s Managing Director, Evgeny Dudorov, told RIA that they had provided a ‘couple’ of the loitering munitions to a volunteer unit, the Tsar’s Wolves, which reportedly provides military-technical assistance to Separatist units. Dudorov hopes that the unit will “find the best ways” to use the new kamikaze drone. Back in April, the development of the BAS-80 was first reported when Android Technology stated that the munitions would be mounted on the Marker armed unmanned ground vehicle.

BAS-80 (via RIA)

Russia has had considerable success in the field with its larger, heavier Lancet loitering munitions developed by ZALA Aero Group which is a part of Kalashnikov Concern. The most advanced variants of Lancet boast a 11lb/5kg payload. The Ukrainian’s, however, have demonstrated an edge when utilising smaller FPV kamikaze drones. These FPV drones appear to be favoured over the Switchblade 300.

The BAS-80 bares more than a passing resemblance to the US-manufactured Switchblade which the US has provided to Ukraine in moderate numbers since March 2022. Utilising the same folding wing configuration and man-portable tube-launch system.

Dudorov stated that the BAS-80 is made from carbon fiber, weighs in at 3.7lb/1.7kg and has a maximum flight speed of up to 80mph/130kph. He also claimed that it can travel up to 18.6 miles/30km and carries a 1.1lb/500g payload – which may suggest that its intended for anti-personnel and anti-materiel use, like the Switchblade. This would made the BAS-80 0.6lb/300g lighter than the Switchblade 300 and have 12.5 miles/20km more range. Photographs of the munition show that it uses a pusher propeller configuration and has three forward-facing optical lens for guidance.

A Switchblade 300 in the field in Ukraine, 2022 (via social media)

It remains unclear if the Russian munition was developed using technology found in captured Switchblade 300s. Other analogues of the Switchblade have been developed by both China and Iran. China unveiled the FH-901 loitering munition in September 2022 and Iran introduced the Meraj-521 in October 2022. Both systems appear to be externally different in size and shape to that of the BAS-80, with the Chinese munition larger (more analogous with the Switchblade 600) and the Iranian drones launching from a rectangular box. The BAS-80 launches from a cylindrical tube more akin to the Switchblade.

The BAS-80’s guidance systems, software and internals remain unknown and from Russian reports it is still some way from mass production with development to be finalised following trials in the field.

This article was adapted from one originally published at OvertDefense.com

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:

BAS-80, RIA, (source)

China unveils its version of Switchblade suicide drone, Global Times, (source)

US Switchblade Drone ‘Knock Off’ Meraj-521 Unveiled By Iran, Eurasian Times, (source)

Heckler & Koch HK416s in Ukraine

We’ve examined a number of 5.56x45mm rifles in use with Ukrainian forces, notably the Colt Canada C7 and C8 and the M16A4 with many others to be covered in future articles/videos. In this article/video we’re going to examine HK416 use by Ukrainian personnel.

HK416s are far from a common weapon in Ukraine but recently there has been an increase in the frequency with which they have been seen. Since the beginning of 2023, there have been various configurations seen in the field with most being earlier variants of the HK416, likely with either 14.5 inch or 10.4 inch barrels paired with quad rail forends. There also seems to have been a small number of MR223, the civilian-market semi-automatic only version of the rifle, appear in imagery from the conflict.

One of the first HK416-pattern rifles seen in imagery from the conflict was shared in mid-May 2022 by a female Ukrainian combatant. An MR223 with a 16.5 inch barrel is seen leaning against a wall in the background of a photograph. What is believed to be the same rifle has been seen in another photograph mounted with a bipod and fitted with a long, over-barrel suppressor.

In January 2023, a photograph of a pair of SBU members wearing Saint Javelin shirts also featured an MR223A1. Another interesting photograph that appeared in January, features Ukrainian SOF members, one has an accessorised HK416 A5, identified by its adjustable gas block and less flat magazine well angle, with a Surfire SOCOM 556 [Correction: B&T Rotex] suppressor, a Sig Sauer Romeo4T or potentially a Holding 515 and a Stiener DBAL A3N laser module.

A Ukrainian combatant fires a HK GLM-pattern UBGL attached to an HK416 (via social media)

In March, a member of a Ukrainian special operations unit shared a photograph of himself with an HK416 with an 10.4 inch barrel and what appears to be an Aimpoint Comp. The same individual shared another photograph with the same rifle in early May, this time the carbine was fitted with what appears to be a Vortex Crossfire.

A note on nomenclature: the majority of the HK416s seen in Ukraine appear to be HK416 A2s, potentially of Dutch origin. Some sources describe these rifles using the ‘DxxRS’ designations such as D10RS for a 10.4 inch barrel carbines and D14.5RS for a 14.5 inch barrel rifles. This designation, however, doesn’t represent the various iterative changes in the rifles.

Another photograph believed to have been taken in early Spring features another unpainted HK416 A2 with a 10.4 inch barrel, note the folded front sight on the gas block which, fitted with an EOTech 5-series H WS. Another interesting photo, shared by a Japanese volunteer with the International Legion also features an HK416 fitted with a weapon light, a vertical foregrip and a Holosun HS510c reflex sight.

In April, a Taiwanese volunteer with the International Legion, shared several photos of his HK416 A2 with a 14.5 inch barrel fitted with an Aimpoint CompM5. In one photograph it has been paired with a GLM, 40mm underbarrel grenade launcher.

A Dutch HK416 A2 with a Swedish Aimpoint Comp M5 used by a member of the International Legion (via social media)

In response to questions he said he preferred the rifle to the FN SCAR-L as it is more durable but also noted that the HK416 was much heavier than the M4A1 he also used in Ukraine. He also shared a photograph of the rifle equipped with a EOTech 5 series holographic weapon sight. In one of the photographs he shared the rifle has an armoury ID tag on the left side of the magazine housing. This tag is similar to those used by the Dutch military, as seen on the C7A1 rifles which have been provided to Ukraine in large numbers. On many of the images of the rifles there are no clear markings to definitively indicate their country of origin. So the armoury ID tags with QR codes are potential indicators of Dutch origin.

On the 15 April the GUR shared an image with the International Legion, the GUR and the 10th Special Detachment to publicise a TV news piece about the Shaman Battalion. The context and date when photograph was taken remains unclear but the combatant featured in the image appears to have an HK416 with a 14.5 inch barrel. This photo may be a stock image and not one of Ukrainian origin.

In late April photographs of members of the 92nd Mechanised Brigade featured several combatants holding HK416 A2 w ith 14.5 inch barrels. The rifles are seen equipped with EOTech holographic weapons sights. Another photo, also believed to have been taken by a member of 92 OMBR, shows an HK416 A2, with a 14.5 inch barrel, a camouflage paint job, a Knights Armament Company-style vertical foregrip and an EOTech sight and EOTech G33 magnifier.

A suppressed HK416 A2, with 14.5 inch barrel, used by Elite Global Response (via social media)

In early May, Elite Global Response, a group which describes itself as a ‘private security company’, operating in Ukraine shared a number of posts on their Instagram page featuring several HK416 A2s. The rifles are seen fitted with a variety of suppressors (including Ukrainian Tihon suppressors) and optics including an TA11 ACOG and a Holosun AEMS. When asked about the rifles Elite Global Response said they’re “a lot lighter than previous weapons we’ve run [AK-74s and MSBS GROTs], less stoppages and easy to maintain.”

In mid May another photograph of an HK416 A2 was shared online equipped with a small optic. A member of a Ukrainian special operations unit shared a photograph on 18 May, showing a group of combatants, two of which have what appear to be HK416s, one unpainted and another painted with an ACOG mounted, both appear to have 10.4 inch barrels.

In late May photos of another 10.4 inch HK416 A2 were shared by a member of the 1st Assault Battalion of the 3rd Assault Brigade. The combatant’s rifle has a Surefire or possibly a Dead Air muzzle device and is mounted with a Leupold LCO optic and a magnifier. In one photograph the carbine is seen loaded with a 60-round D-60 drum magazine. Earlier footage shared in early May on TikTok suggests he’s been using the rifle since early 2023 and originally received it unpainted. When asked what he thought of the rifle he described it as “the best assault rifle there could be”. A short clip of the same combatant also shows him firing an HK GLM-pattern 40mm underbarrel grenade launcher. This older video also shows the rifle with a different muzzle device.

A Ukrainian combatant with an HK416 with a 10.3 inch barrel, Leupold LCO and D-60 drum magazine (via social media)

On the 5 June, a short clip of members of the Polish Volunteer Corps was shared showing a member of the unit clearing Russian positions with an HK416-pattern rifle – when the video was filmed is unclear. While the resolution is low the camouflage painted rifle appears to have a magnified optic, possibly an Aimpoint Comp and a CQB red dot sight. A few days later a body camera video of combatants from the International Legion showed another HK416-pattern rifle clearly with an armoury tag. While undated the video is said to have been filmed during fighting near Bakhmut. Most recently, on 12 June, another member of Ukraine’s special operations forces was seen with an HK416 A2 outfitted with an EOTech optic and magnifier.

While a number of countries that use the HK416 have provided military aid to Ukraine it seems that a significant proportion of the rifles seen in theatre originate from the Netherlands, with the rifles configurations, HK416 A2s with ambidextrous selectors and the presence of armoury QR tags, matching those used by the Dutch military. The Dutch Ministrie Van Defensie initially procured HK416s for their special forces in 2010 and have since procured further HK416 A5s. Regardless of origin how many of the Heckler & Koch rifles have been transferred to Ukraine is currently unclear.

HK417

Ukrainian marksman with an HK417 (via social media)

There have also been a smaller number of 7.62x51mm chambered HK417s seen in use with various Ukrainian units. These rifles are believed to also have been transferred by the Dutch military with the configuration of the rifles matching those used by the Dutch. With few so far seen in theatre research is still ongoing. These will be the topic of a future video/article when more information is available.

Update – 19/6/23: Footage of a 10.3in HK416 A2 in use near Bakhmut, date unknown.

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:

Thank you to the guys at Streaking Delilah for sharing images they sourced and providing technical detail. Check out their instagram page here. Thanks also to Jonathan Ferguson for additional technical information.

HK416, Heckler & Koch, (source)

HK GLM, Heckler & Koch, (source)

HK416A5-geweer en HK417-precisiegeweer, Ministrie Van Defensie, (source)

Infantry Small Arms of the 21st Century, L. Neville, (2019)