Ukraine’s Security Service Special Unit Adopts Rare US-Made Mk 47 Stryker Grenade Launchers

The Special Operations Center “A” of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has received 40-millimeter Mk 47 Stryker automatic grenade launchers, according to photos published by the unit’s press service on September 3.

The Mk 47 is considered a relatively rare weapon system, currently in service primarily with the armed forces of the United States, Australia, and Israel.

Unlike the widely used Mk 19, which weighs about 35 kilograms, the Mk 47 is significantly lighter at 18 kilograms, making it more mobile for operators in the field.

According to the SBU, the system is compatible with the same range of ammunition as the Mk 19, with the addition of the MK285 grenade featuring a programmable fuze. This munition is activated at the moment of firing.

A computerized AN/PWG-1 sight measures the distance to the target and transmits the data directly to the grenade’s fuze, enabling greater precision against entrenched or moving targets.

Ukraine has been equipping its forces with both foreign and domestically produced grenade launchers. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Defense approved the Ukrainian-made AGL-53 for use across the Armed Forces.

Earlier in August, Ukraine’s 425th Assault Regiment “Skala” became the second unit to field M1A1 Abrams tanks, receiving Australian-delivered vehicles modified to run on diesel fuel and equipped with upgraded fire control and thermal imaging systems.

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