Dangerous toss of the coin: How Ukrainians and Russians hazardously repurpose anti-tank weapons

The RPG-7 grenade launcher is the most frequently used handheld anti-tank weapon in Ukraine. Despite being mostly ineffective against tanks, soldiers have repurposed them as handheld artillery. In the video below, two Russians are seen attempting to pelt Ukrainians with fragmentation grenades. Unfortunately, one of them has a faulty rocket engine that fails mid-launch, dropping right in front of the shooter.

This is an extremely perilous situation. With RPG-7 grenade launchers, the fuse is ready to detonate immediately after the safety is removed. Any contact between the object and the fuse triggers an explosion, unlike modern anti-tank weapons like the RGW90 grenade launcher, which features a detonation delay after activation, typically around 66 feet.

The Russians are seen using OG-7V grenades (the one on the left) and something similar to modified 82 mm caliber mortars (the one on the right). In the first instance, it's a 4.4 lb 1.6 in caliber grenade with a range of up to 2297 feet, capable of fragmenting an area of up to 1615 sq.ft. The lethal range for a soldier in a bulletproof vest from the point of explosion is less than 33 feet.

In contrast, in the second instance, we've witnessed mortar shells of 82 mm caliber that weigh 6.8 pounds, with 0.92 pounds being explosive material. The manufacturer's specifications state that from a distance of 16 feet, at least 198 fragments should hit the target; from 33 feet away - 70 fragments, and at 49 feet, it should be 41 fragments. Hence, the second type demonstrates greater destructive force; the modifications include adding a rocket engine and a booster to the original shell.

It appears in the Russian's case, much of the locally produced mortar ammunition is supplied with insufficient gunpowder charges. This results in these projectiles being repurposed for alternative use. Moreover, the quality of military aid delivered from North Korea often leaves much to be desired, further exacerbating the Russians' situation.