Tag: War in Ukraine

Top Attack SMArt155 In Ukraine

SMArt 155 is a Sensor Fuzed Munition (SFM), developed by Rheinmetall and Diehl BGT Defence in the late 1980s. It is a 155mm howitzer round which contains a pair of fire-and-forget top-attack submunitions. The submunitions use a ballute and parachute to slow their descent and allow the submunitions’ onboard infrared sensor and millimeter wave radar to locate its target and fire and explosively formed penetrator.

In a previous video/article we’ve looked at the 155 BONUS round which also carries two submunitions which are arrested by a pair of winglets which arrest the submunitions flight to enable their built-in sensors to detect targets within their search footprint before striking down on a target vehicle.

A cutaway of a SMArt 155 (Swiss Army)

The round is manufactured by GIWS, a joint venture between Diehl Defence and Rheinmetall, and entered service in the late 1990s. It is capable of being launched by NATO standard 155mm howitzers but in Ukraine appears to primarily be used in conjunction with Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzers. The round is also in British service as the Ballistic Sensor Fused Munition fired from AS-90s, the UK has recently provided Ukraine with a number of AS-90s but it is unclear if they will deploy SMArt155 rounds.

The manufacturer describes SMArt 155 projectile as consisting of: “a thin-walled shell body, a base plate, an ejection unit, time fuse, and two functionally identical submunitions.” The SMArt155 round allows a 155mm projectile to deliver two submunitions capable of penetrating any tank’s top armour with considerable accuracy. SMArt155 has a listed maximum range of 22km (13.6 miles) when fired from 155mm/39-calibre systems and 27.5km when fired from 155mm/52-calibre systems such as the PzH2000. Adding a base bleed unit would extend the round’s range further. The submunitions carry a shaped charge of 9.7lbs (4.2kg) of high explosive which create explosively formed penetrators (EFP). The manufacturer states that extensive German Army trials found that the round has a very low failure rate.

A DM702 shell seen briefly in a video posted by the 43 Separate Artillery Brigade, 16 May (via social media)

Once the round is fired an onboard timer fuze, set before firing, ignites an ejection charge in the shell’s nose which pulls the submunitions out of the shell body. Once clear the submunitions’ ballute and then parachute deploys they begin to spiral down over the target area using their onboard sensors to detect the target vehicle before detonating their payload.

Though there is controversy surrounding SMArt, and BONUS, the shells do not fall into the category of weapons banned under the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions as they comprise of just two submunitions and both have onboard self-destruction mechanisms.

The summer of 2022 saw a flurry of drone videos which showed strikes of Russian vehicles and equipment many of these were attributed to either BONUS or SMArt 155, but with most of the videos it is difficult to definitively identify which top attack munition was in use.

The ballute and parachute of a SMArt 155 (DM702A1) found near Kreminna in March 2023 (via social media)

On the 2 July, the first video believed to be a SMArt in action was shared online. In it a munition can be seen descening before detonating above. The framing and resolution of the video is too low to confirm if it is a parachute arrested submunition. Russian telegram channels shared a photograph of a ballute and parachute, said to have been seen near Kirovsky, in Donetsk in early August.

On the 13 September, another fairly low resolution video showed a top attack munition detonating above a Russian armoured vehicle. On 4 March 2023, photos of a ballute and parachute from a SMArt 155 were shared and said to have been found near Kreminna. Around the same time another video showing a potential SMArt 155 strike was shared. On 17 April, the 26th Artillery Brigade shared video showing what was claimed to be a SMArt munition striking two Russian vehicles. On 23 April, Ukrainian military journalist Andrii Tsaplienko shared a video from inside a PzH2000 showing some German DM702 SMArt 155 shells. The DM702 shells were again briefly seen in a video posted by the 43 Separate Artillery Brigade posted on the 16 May.

A ballute and parachute, said to have been seen near Kirovsky, August 2022 (via social media)

While the lack of easily verifiable videos of SMArt in use is frustrating it is impressive that we have any footage of top-attack munitions in use at all. Production of SMArt 155 paused in the late 2000s but even before the war in Ukraine began their had been plans to revive production. The war has, however, provided impetus for renewed production and in late 2022 the German government agreed to spend EUR 97.4 million to restart manufacture of the complex electronic components needed to manufacturer the round.

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Bibliography:

155mm SMArt, GD-OTS, (source)

Germany modernizes ammunition tested in Ukraine, Defence24, (source)

New serial production of SMArt 155 slated for 2024, Janes, (source)

Evidence of Ukraine’s First Use of Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles

Last week, on 11 May, the UK became the first country to provide Ukraine with medium range cruise missiles. Less than a week later the first evidence of their use has emerged.

Storm Shadow is an air-launched subsonic cruise missile with a reported range of 250-300km (155-185 miles). It can reportedly reach speeds of Mach 0.8 or around 620 miles per hour. This will enable Ukraine to strike targets within territory occupied by Russia including Crimea. Theoretically, Storm Shadow could also strike targets inside Russia, but the UK has provided them on the understanding they will not be used outside Ukraine’s borders.

Storm Shadow is characterised by its accuracy and also has a sophisticated warhead: the Bomb, Royal Ordnance, Augmenting CHarge (BROACH). The 450 kg (990 lb) BROACH warhead uses a precursor penetrator charge followed by a follow-through main charge to penetrate hardened shelters and structures. 

RAF technicians arm a Typhoon with Storm Shadow, 2021 (Cpl Steve Buckley/UK MOD Crown copyright)

Storm Shadow is said to be extremely accurate.  Once the missile is released from the aircraft its wings deploy and it uses a GPS/INS and Terrain Profile Matching navigation system to guide the missile to the target area. The missile typically flies at a low level and on its the final approach it jettisons its nose cone and the on-board infrared sensor guides the missile to the impact point. With a reported price tag of around £790,000 per missile, they are typically used against high value targets.

Development of the missile requirement began in the mid-1980s becoming part of the multi-nation NATO Modular Stand-Off Weapon (MSOW) programme. While the US pulled out of the programme in the late 1980s Matra BAe Dynamics continued development of a missile based on the Matra Apache. The missile became known as Storm Shadow and was procured by the UK in 1997, it entered service in 2002. 

The missile also entered service with the French in 1998 as SCALP-EG (Sistème de Croisière Autonome à Longue Portée – Emploi Général, or Long Range Autonomous Cruise Missile System – General Purpose). Since then Storm Shadow and SCALP have been used in the Gulf, Iraq, and in Libya by the UK’s Royal Air Force and the French Air Force.

A Tornado GR4 aircraft with 617 Squadron fitted with Storm Shadow, 2004 (UK MOD Crown copyright)

Ben Wallace, UK Defense Secretary, addressed the UK’s Parliament on 11 May saying:

“Today I can confirm that the UK is donating Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine… the use of Storm Shadow will allow Ukraine to push back Russian forces based within Ukrainian sovereign territory. …Russia must recognise their actions alone have led to such systems being provided to Ukraine. It is my judgement as Defence Secretary that this is a calibrated, proportionate response to Russia’s escalations.”

Wallace added that it hadn’t been easy to incorporate the missile on a former Soviet aircraft. He said “that has been one of the reasons for the time… working out if it is technically feasible, and I would like to pay tribute to our scientists & technicians.” It is believed that Ukraine’s Su-24 Fencers have been adapted to launch the missiles. 

Storm Shadow is key for Ukraine as it provides a much needed long range, deep strike capability, well beyond that of HIMARS rockets and other artillery. Ahead of Ukraine’s anticipated offensive the cruise missiles will allow Ukraine to strike high value targets including infrastructure and logistics nodes and command and control centres – most of which have been repositioned outside of HIMARS/GMLRS munitions range. 

A building in Luhansk claimed to have been struck by a Storm Shadow missile (via social media)

13 May saw the first evidence of Ukraine’s use of the missiles emerge with Russian media outlets and telegram channels sharing fragments collected in Luhansk. Russian media shared photographs of an industrial building destroyed. Subsequent photos and videos showing further fragments with serial numbers and other markings were also shown. Russian state media reports that LPR Separatist authorities claim Luhansk has been targeted with at least three Storm Shadow missiles. This claim is yet to be independently verified.

A tail fin fragment believed to be from the Storm Shadow strike on Luhansk (via social media)

The strike on the target in Luhansk is the first with physical evidence of Storm Shadow’s use, now that the missile is known to be in service it will inevitably be one of the weapons discussed when considering future strikes but given the missile’s cost and the relatively small number available, the Ukrainians will likely be picking their targets carefully.

On 16 May, France signalled its intention to also provide Ukraine with longer range missiles, while not confirmed by name this potentially means its SCALP-EG missiles. In late May some German politicians made calls for Germany’s similar Taurus missile to be provided to Ukraine.

Update – 24/5/23: During a visit to Ukraine UK secretary of Defence signed a photograph of a Ukrainian SU-24MR carrying a Storm Shadow. Inscribing: “To all the brave ‘few’ who risk all for the glory of Ukraine” in reference to Churchill’s remarks referring to the RAF as the ‘few’ during the Second World War.

Update – 3/6/23: A photo of a Ukrainian air force SU-24M was shared online showing it carrying a pair of what appear to be Storm Shadow missiles.

Update – 8/6/23: Russian authorities in Luhansk have shared photographs of a retrieved Storm Shadow nose cone. The missile jettisons the nose cone, which covers onboard sensors, on its final approach to the target. The nose cone has a production date of November 2004.

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Bibliography:

Defence Secretary oral statement on war in Ukraine, UK Government, (source)

House of Commons Proceedings 11 May 2023, UK Parliament, (source)

UK Provides Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles to Ukraine, OVD, (source)

Russia says Ukraine used Storm Shadow missiles from Britain to attack Luhansk, Reuters, (source)

Interview with President Emmanuel Macron on TF1, Elysee/TF1, (source)

Storm Shadow, ThinkDefence, (source)

Putting Russia’s Army in the Shadow of the Storm, RUSI, (source)

Uzi In Ukraine

The iconic 9x19mm Uzi submachine gun has been intermittently seen in Ukraine since the early months of the conflict. The earliest images of the Uzi in theatre, which we could find, date to the beginning of May 2022. The origins of the Uzis are currently unclear with a number of possibilities including Israeli IMI-made guns, Croatian EROs, surplus German Bundeswehr MP2A1s or perhaps most likely Belgian manufactured Uzis made under license by FN Herstal.

One of the earliest images of an Uzi in Ukraine appeared at the start of May 2022, with a Ukrainian combatant posing with an Uzi and a drone at what appears to be a range. 11 July, saw a group photo of International Legion members shared featuring one combatant holding an Uzi. Several days later on the 17 July a photo was shared of an international volunteer with an Uzi in the back of a vehicle. A month later a Ukrainian soldier was photographed holding a pair of Uzis.

A Ukrainian officer with the 93rd Mechanized Brigade holds a pair of Uzis (via social media)

On the 21 February 2023, a member of the Stugnabat unit, with the International Legion, shared a photo of a combatant with an Uzi. A Ukrainian infantry officer shared a video featuring himself firing two Uzis at one on 14 March. Subsequent photos shared online, seemingly taken at the same time, featuring the officer and the Uzis revealed he is with the 93rd Separate Mechanised Brigade. In early April another Ukrainian combatant shared a clip of himself on TikTok test firing an Uzi at an ad hoc range.

Research by OSINT researcher Ukraine Weapons Warfare has confirmed that at least three of the Uzis seen in Ukraine in early 2023 are of Belgian manufacture. Ukraine Weapons Warfare spoke to two Ukrainian combatants (those who had posted videos with Uzis) who confirmed that their guns had FN Herstal markings. FN Herstal acquired the license to manufacture the Uzi in 1958 with production of Belgian-made guns continuing into the early 1970s. As a result large numbers of Uzis purchased by European countries were made by FN, not IMI.

The Uzis haven’t appeared in any combat imagery and largely appear to be being used as personal defence weapons. They’re most often seen in photos from the range, away from the front line. Due to the iconic weapon’s notoriety they also appear to hold a novelty value for Ukrainian combatants.

Until we can get clear photos of markings or corroboration from users we can’t be certain if all of the Uzis in theatre were originally manufactured by FN Herstal. Similarly, it remains unclear which country or countries may have provided Uzis to Ukraine but we at least know that several of them were manufactured in Belgium.

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Bibliography:

The UZI Submachine Gun, C. McNab (2011)

The UZI Submachine Gun Examined, D. Gaboury (2017)

Thanks to Ukraine Weapons Warfare

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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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.

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

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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.

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)

Right Arm of the Free World: FN FALs in Ukraine

It’s a year since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and since last February we have seen a massive influx of Western weapon systems into Ukraine. We’ve seen everything from artillery to infantry weapons and the breadth of small arms has ranged from brand new Polish MSBS Grots and M4A1s to M14s. In recent months another Cold War icon has begun to appear in imagery from the fighting – the FN FAL – the ‘Right Arm of the Free World’.

To date both standard fixed stock and folding stock FALs have been seen in use, though appearances are relatively rare. The first sightings of FALs came in June 2022 when two photos of fixed stock 50.00 metric pattern Type 3 FALs were shared. The first in the second week of June and a second at the end of the month. The second photograph was posted by Ukrainian combatants near Nikolaev, Mykolaiv region. It is possible that both of these rifles may have been a civilian-owned rifle pressed into service.

The most common variant seen in open source imagery is currently the 50.61 or PARA FAL with a side-folding stock and a full length 53cm (21.0 in) barrel. The rifles could also be the visually identical 50.64, which has an alloy receiver, though these rifles are less common. All of the rifles seen in the photographs have Type 3 receivers which date them to post 1973 production. Sadly, photographs showing the weapon’s serial number ranges aren’t available.

A photograph of several crates of these still in their plastic wrapping shared in early October 2022. This is potentially the first sighting of the folding stocked rifles in Ukraine. 

In late November a photograph of five PARA FALs in the same sort of crate was shared and said to have been taken near Bakhmut.

On 10 December, Dmytro Mrachnyk, the commander of a mortar platoon with a Ukrainian Territorial Defence Force unit fighting around Bakhmut, shared his first photograph with his PARA FAL. I contacted Dmytro and he was kind enough to share his thoughts on the rifle. He explained that he liked the rifle and has only had one stoppage, he said: “it jammed a cartridge case once during an intense fight, but the problem was quickly resolved.” He also explained that he really likes the 7.62x51mm round and that he had 9 magazines for the rifle.

He confirmed that the rifles are select fire and when I asked him about ammunition availability for the 7.62x51mm FALs, Dmytro said that there is some available but it can’t be found everywhere.

He said that so far he’s only seen the FALs in use with elements of his unit. He opted for the FAL, to replace his AK-74 when he joined the unit.

On the 22 December Dmytro shared a photograph of a PARA FAL which had its forend and stock covered in fur. I asked him about this and he explained that: “My sergeant decided to disguise the rifle for the winter – he partially painted it white and glued on a light fur found among the garbage in Bakhmut.”

On 30 December, Ukrainian personnel shared an update video from Bakhmut, one of the soldiers can be seen holding a PARA FAL. Several days later, in early January 2023, the same soldiers shared another short video filmed in a town square in Bakhmut, again the FAL can be seen. 

Our second sighting of a fixed stock FAL came on 31 December when another Ukrainian combatant shared a photograph holding a 50.00 FAL, with some scrim wrapped around the butt and carrying handle and a bipod attached. He wished to remain anonymous but was kind enough to share his thoughts on the FAL.

He explained that he was issued the FAL instead of a UR-10 (UAR-10/Z-10) DMR rifle and that he was the only one in his company to be issued one. An optic was issued with the rifle but no means of mounting it to the rifle. He was also only provided with two 10 round magazines. Even without an optic he said that: “As a marksman, you can work at a maximum of 500m” and it “hits quite accurately with single shots, automatic fire gives a very large spread, very loud.”

Commenting on the rifle itself he noted that he believed the rifle to date from 1976 and that while ‘cool and a little unusual’ it was “picky, she is afraid of dirt, she was in a swamp and the action almost did not work.” He also felt that it was ‘a little too heavy compared to the AK [AK74].”

He also pointed out that “it is very long and not convenient when storming buildings” he concluded: “In my opinion, it is already outdated and not practical and often very inconvenient.”

The most recent photograph of one I have seen dates from 15 January, when Dmytro posted a photo, holding his FAL aloft, with the caption ‘The unconquered Bakhmut stands’.

It’s unclear who provided the rifles to Ukraine as numerous nations around the world have fielded similar variants. In Europe these include Belgium, Greece, Luxembourg, Portugal and the Netherlands. Most of these, however, have long since replaced them in service. If Belgium, one of the most likely candidates, provided the rifles then they have been in store since the late 1990s.

Special thanks to Dmytro and the other anonymous Ukrainian combatant for answering my questions, Dmytro’s details are in the description box below. Thanks also to the guys at Shrieking Delilah on Instagram who have been doing great work on documenting some of the plethora of weapons turning up in Ukraine.

So far, of the three major call war battle rifles we’ve seen the M14, check out my video on that if you haven’t already, and the FN FAL but I’m yet to see any sign of HK G3s. If you spot any or anything else I should cover in a video drop me a comment below or an email. 

Update 06/03/23:

The social media of the Command of the United Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine shared a photograph of a member of the 103rd Separate Brigade of the Ukrainian Territorial Defence Force with a tricked out 50.00 FN FAL mounted with bipod and an ATN THOR thermal optic. This configuration is in line with one mentioned by the anonymous Ukrainian combatant who shared his thoughts on the FAL. This FAL with the 103rd brigade, however, has an optic mounting rail and 20-round magazines.

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Bibliography:

Identifying & Tracing the FN Herstal FAL Rifle, ARES, (source)

Authors discussions with Ukrainian servicemen including Dmytro Mrachnyk [PayPal: dmrachnik@gmail.com]

Canadian Small Arms & Light Weapons In Ukraine

After seeing a considerable number of Colt Canada C7 rifles and C8 carbines being used in Ukraine I decided to investigate their origins. I reached out to various Ministries of Defence to enquire if they had provided the rifles. The Canadian Ministry of National Defence not only confirmed that they had provided various small arms but their spokesperson was also kind enough to confirm some of the types of small arms and light weapons which Canada has transferred to Ukraine since February 2022. 

Due to operational security the quantities of weapons transferred obviously couldn’t be confirmed but there’s some interesting weapons in the list that might not be what was expected. 

Canada aid arriving in in Ukraine (Ukrainian MoD)

In terms of anti-tank weapons we already know that at least 100 Carl Gustaf M2 Recoilless Rifles were transferred, along with 2,000 rounds of 84mm ammunition. We have seen a number of M2s which are potentially of Canadian origin in the field. Also confirmed back in March was the transfer of as many as up to 7,500 hand grenades and up to 4,500 M72 LAW anti-tank weapons. These have probably been seen in the field but without close ups of markings and with so many countries transferring LAWs its difficult to ID them specifically in imagery from the field.

A potential Canadian Carl Gustaf in Ukraine (via Social Media)

In terms of small arms things get interesting, as mentioned C7A1 rifles have been seen in a considerable number of photos and videos from Ukraine. Produced by Diemaco, now Colt Canada, it seems obvious that these rifles originated from Canada. However, the spokesperson from the Ministry of National Defence confirmed that Canada has not provided any C7 pattern rifle. Instead, they confirmed that Canada has only provided C8 carbines. Sources familiar with the carbines sent to Ukraine noted that the weapons were C8 SFWs with a railed forend. So far the only photo which may visually confirm the presence of Canadian C8 SFWs is this one of some Ukrainian SSO operators. An operator in the middle of the photo (see below) has a C8 with a railed forend, with a vertical front grip attached. Other operators around him have C8s with the earlier non-railed handguards.

73rd Naval Special Purpose Center operators with what may be a C8 SFW, along with earlier unrailed C8 carbines (via Social Media)

It was also confirmed that both C9 light machine guns and C6 general purpose machine guns have been transferred. The C9 is Canada’s designation for the FN Minimi while the C6 is their designation for the 7.62x51mm FN MAG. Canada currently uses the upgraded C9A2 with a 4 position stock and longer rail.

Colt Canada C8 Carbines in Ukraine – these C8s were not provided by the Canadian government (via Social Media)

The spokesperson also confirm the types of precision rifle transferred to Ukraine noting that “both medium .308 and .338 calibre, and heavy .50 calibre sniper rifles were provided.” Earlier media reports had suggested that .50 calibre sniper rifles were transferred but there had been no mention of medium caliber rifles. It was not stated whether the .338 rifles were .338 Norma Magnum or .338 Lapua Magnum.

While the Canadian military currently fields the C15 Long-Range Sniper Weapon (the McMillan TAC-50) the Ministry of National Defence did not confirm what exact model had been sent to Ukraine. There have been a number of sightings of TAC-50s, and while a number of countries field them, some of those seen in Ukraine may have originated from Canada.

An anonymous source familiar with the program to transfer weapons to Ukraine confirmed that CADEX Defence CDX series rifles had been sent to Ukraine from the stores never sent to Kurdish forces. These are believed to have included CDX TAC rifles in .338 and CDX-50 Tremors in 12.7x99mm.

The weapons initially sent to Ukraine were reportedly drawn from a selection of weapons worth an estimated $10 million, which had originally been procured in 2016 for Kurdish forces fighting ISIS in Iraq. The plan to arm the Kurds stalled in 2017 and since then the weapons have been in storage at the Canadian Forces Supply Depot in Montreal. This equipment included sniper rifles, 60mm mortars, Carl Gustaf anti-armor weapons and small arms. It is from these stores that many of the sniper rifles have been drawn. In February, just before the Russian invasion was launched it was reported by a number of Canadian media outlets that the weapons sent to Ukraine came from the stores originally destined for the Kurds.

CADEX CDX photographed in Ukraine in March (via War_Noir)

In the past Canada has also provided Ukraine with .50 caliber LRT-3 rifles from PGW Defence Technologies, this type may have again been provided either via the Canadian government’s transfer or privately donated by Canadian citizens.

Based on information from sources familiar with the transfer the ‘.338’ chambered medium caliber rifles are believed to be CDX TAC rifles from CADEX rather than the C14 Timberwolf MRSWS (Medium Range Sniper Weapon System) from PGW Defence Technologies, which is currently in use with Canadian forces. The .308 chambered rifle mentioned is less clear, it may be a reference to the 7.62x51mm Parker-Hale C3 sniper rifle which is still in service or possibly a .308/7.62x51mm chambered rifle from PGW or CADEX. They are unlikely to be Tikka T3s which recently entered service with the Canadian Rangers as the C19.

Interestingly, the pistols which were transferred were not Browning HiPowers, which is Canada’s current standard service pistol – soon to be replaced by the SIG Sauer P320, but Glock 17s. Very few images of Glock 17s in use in Ukraine have surfaced so far. Sources suggest that the Glock pistols were also a part of the selection of weapons originally destined for Kurdish forces fighting ISIS.

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:

https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2022/02/canada-sending-additional-25m-military-aid-to-support-ukraine.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2022/03/defence-minister-anand-announces-additional-military-support-to-ukraine.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/operations/military-operations/current-operations/operation-unifier.html

Top Attack 155 BONUS In Ukraine

On Wednesday, 4 January, a Russian telegram channel shared several photos of what appear to be miniature satellites. These are in fact 155 BONUS submunitions, an advanced anti-armour, top attack artillery round. Each 155 BONUS round carries two submunitions capable of striking down on a target vehicle once over the target area.

As we’ve seen in other articles/videos including out look at Javelin, NLAW and Russia’s PTKM-1R mine that top-attack weapons can be extremely effective.

Salvaged 155 BONUS submunition (via social media)

Ukraine has received 155mm howitzer systems from Western countries (including DANA, CAESAR, PzH 2000, Zuzana 2 and AHS Krab), with conventional ammunition these are able to accurately engaging targets at considerable distances but the BONUS round allows a 155mm shell to deliver two submunitions capable of penetrating any tank’s top armour with impressive accuracy.

Development of BONUS or the BOfors NUtating Shell (nutating means rocking or swaying) began in the mid-1980s and was developed by Sweden’s Bofors and Nexter of France. Since Bofors’ heavy weapons division was bought out by BAE Systems in 2005, the system has been part of BAE’s portfolio.

BONUS has a base bleed unit which extends its range out to 35km (nearly 22 miles). Once fired the shell separates to deploy two independent sensor-fuzed submunitions. Once separated these submunitions deploy a pair of winglets and rapidly rotate in flight to enable their built-in sensors to detect targets within their search footprint.

Labelled cutaway of a BONUS shell (US Army)

The search footprint can span up to 32,000 square meters with a diameter of 200m in a helical pattern. The munition uses multi-band passive infrared (IR) and LADAR (laser imaging, detection, and ranging) to detect its targets. Once detected the submunition fires its explosively formed penetrator, which can travel at more than 2000m/s. BAE states the penetrator can penetrate between 100 and 140mm of rolled homogenous armour.

BONUS has been in service with the French Army since the early 2000s and has also been procured by Sweden, Finland and Norway. Most recently in 2018 the US Army selected the round for their Cannon Delivered Area Effects Munition (C-DAEM) programme and has been actively procuring it through several contracts since.

Diagram illustrating BONUS’ basic principle (BAE Systems)

A similar munition SMArt 155, developed by Rheinmetall and Diehl BGT Defence, which uses a parachute to slow the submunitions descent rather than winglets, is also believed to be in use in Ukraine. BONUS and SMArt do not fall into the category of weapons banned under the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions as they comprise of just two submunitions and both have onboard self-destruction mechanisms. The BONUS round seen in these photographs obviously did not engage a target and its self-destruction mechanism didn’t destroy the submunition before it landed.

The Russian telegram channel that shared the photographs of the munition state that it was found in the Donetsk region. The same post suggested some potential countermeasures, including covering heat signatures with polythene and obscuring the shapes of vehicles might help mitigate the risk posed by BONUS rounds.

Salvaged 155 BONUS submunition (via social media)

From the photographs themselves we can see the submunition is marked No.3374, France, and ‘HMX’ – a type of high explosive. At the top it is marked ‘155 MM AC F1 BON’. The ‘LUL’ marking likely refers to Luchaire Defense. In the second photo we can see the damaged face of the submunition, its EFP plate, the metal winglets and the pop-out sensor assembly with what appear to be three lenses. 

In terms of videos from in theatre that show the use of BONUS there are a number of fairly low-resolution drone videos showing suspected uses of the shells – some of these have also been suggested to be SMArt 155. A video from July perhaps shows BONUS in action, there is no visible parachute, as used by the SMArt 155, visible but there are what appear to be two descending submunitions – the first of which detonates above the target, firing an EFP down onto targets.

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: 

155 BONUS, BAE Systems, (source)

155 BONUS, Tankist4, (source)

155 BONUS Mk 2, BAE Systems, (source)

155 Bonus EFP, Bofors, (source)

155mm SMArt, GD-OTS, (source)

Artillery Paratroopers Fire BONUS Mark II, US Army, (source)