Russia Starts Serial Production of Latest Generation Grenade Launchers

Russia’s state-owned Rostec has delivered the first batch of serially-produced ‘Balkan’ 40mm anti-personnel grenade launchers.

"The design documentation for the ‘Balkan’ system has been formalized and accepted by the Defense Ministry of Russia for serial production. The first serial batch has been produced," Rostec Armament Cluster Industrial Director Bekkhan Ozdoyev was quoted as saying by TASS recently.

Rostec-subsidiary Pribor Research and Production Association said the ‘Balkan’ grenade launcher is now undergoing expanded operational evaluation in the troops. Following its results, a decision will be made on accepting the weapon for service and launching its large-scale serial production.

The 6S19 ‘Balkan’ anti-personnel grenade launcher is the latest weapon in domestic grenade launching armaments. Its fire range has been extended by more than 25% and its firepower has been increased twofold compared to operational 30mm AGS-17 ‘Plamya’ and AGS-30 grenade launchers.