Category
Latest news

Ukraine Replaces Soviet-Era Weapons With NATO-Ready AGL-53 Grenade Launcher

2 min read
Authors
Vlad Litnarovych
Vlad Litnarovych
Author
Ukraine Replaces Soviet-Era Weapons With NATO-Ready AGL-53 Grenade Launcher
Ukrainian AGL-53 automatic grenade launcher. (Source: Ukrainian Ministry of Defense)

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense officially approved the domestically produced AGL-53 automatic grenade launcher for use in the Armed Forces, marking another step toward modernizing Ukraine’s military arsenal, the ministry reported on March 31.

The 40mm AGL-53, developed to NATO standards, can be mounted on combat vehicles or all-terrain transport.

With a specialized tripod, it also functions as a versatile infantry support weapon. It fires 40×53mm high-explosive rounds, the same ammunition used in Western military grenade launcher systems.

According to Ukraine’s defense officials, the AGL-53 surpasses the Soviet-era AGS-17 (30mm) in both accuracy and range. It also boasts improved ergonomics and reliability.

Ukrainian soldier fires with automatic grenade launcher AGS-17 on Russian position on October 7, 2023 in Ukraine. (Source: Getty Images)
Ukrainian soldier fires with automatic grenade launcher AGS-17 on Russian position on October 7, 2023 in Ukraine. (Source: Getty Images)

The approval of the AGL-53 is part of a broader effort to phase out outdated Soviet weaponry and equip Ukraine’s forces with modern, NATO-compatible arms.

In recent years, Ukrainian defense manufacturers have successfully developed several 40mm grenade launcher models, including both single-shot under-barrel attachments for rifles and standalone infantry weapons.

Beyond grenade launchers, Ukraine’s military industry has ramped up production of a wide range of small arms, including:

  • Mortars (60mm, 82mm, and 120mm)

  • Assault rifles (5.56mm AR-platform)

  • Anti-materiel and sniper rifles (12.7×99mm and 7.62×51mm rounds)

  • Handguns and submachine guns (9×19mm)

Deputy Defense Minister Valeriy Churkin emphasized that expanding domestic arms production is key to Ukraine’s military resilience.

“Developing and scaling up new weapon systems is a top priority for our defense industry. We must accelerate the transition away from outdated Soviet arms and equip our defenders with the best homegrown weapons that are fully compatible with NATO ammunition. Technical interoperability with partner armies is a fundamental necessity for strengthening our military,” Churkin stated.

Earlier, Ukraine’s defense industry unveiled a new mobile surface-to-air missile system based on the American HMMWV platform, marking another step in the country’s ongoing effort to expand and modernize its air defense capabilities.

The upgraded vehicle retains only the chassis of the original HMMWV. The platform has been refitted with a new cabin, a missile launch system, and electronic warfare (EW) modules designed to counter FPV drones.

The vehicle is equipped with Soviet-designed R-73 short-range, air-to-air guided missiles, repurposed for ground-based launch.

See all