Image source: topwar.ru
The Ukrainian military has been armed with American MK153 SMAW grenade launchers, and the use of these weapons is currently being trained by the armed forces. As reported, the grenade launchers were delivered in February of this year in one of the next packages of military assistance from the United States.
The Americans continue to arm Ukraine with anti-tank complexes, but this time, instead of the Javelin ATGM, Kiev received MK153 SMAW grenade launchers developed in the 80s of the last century. These weapons have already been supplied to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and even before the start of the Russian special military operation, but in small quantities. Now the USA has made a full-fledged delivery.
According to the Ukrainian press, the command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine does not spread about the receipt of grenade launchers, the information was received from volunteers who filmed the exercises of the Ukrainian military with these weapons. It is not reported how many grenade launchers the Americans have put in total, but it is stated that the MK153 SMAW will soon appear on the battlefield. In Kiev, they are already singing the praises of these grenade launchers, stating that in the upcoming offensive they will be used to destroy fortifications created by Russian troops.
MK153 SMAW (Shoulder launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon – a universal assault weapon launched from the shoulder) is a Nammo Talley production complex based on the Israeli IMI B-300. It is an 83-mm launcher with a length of about 78 cm and a weight of 7.5 kg, equipped with a 9-mm rifle and a mount for optical night or laser sights. SMAW missiles are packed in a container tube that connects to the launcher before firing.
The troops are supplied in several configurations: SMAW-D (Bunker Defeat Munition – ammunition for destroying dugouts and bunkers) - a one-time version of SMAW. SMAW-D(CS) - (SMAW-Disposable Confined Space – disposable in a confined space) – upgraded SMAW-D with the ability to use a grenade launcher inside buildings and other enclosed spaces. SMAW-NE - (SMAW - Novel Explosive – a new explosive) was developed for the American Marine Corps with an improved thermobaric warhead.