The military has been observed using UGL-40 single-shot hand-held grenade launchers manufactured by Ukrainian company Ukrop. The sighting was reported by the NMFTE Telegram channel, which published a photo of the launcher. The UGL-40 is a modified version of the American M203A1 under-barrel grenade launcher and is designed for autonomous use without main weapons. It has a shortened barrel and uses standard NATO 40×46 mm ammunition. This is the first known public appearance of the UGL-40, as its development and production were not previously disclosed.

The Ukrainian military has been actively using various models of grenade launchers since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine commenced. Nearly 20 models, including the Fort-600, have been codified and authorized for use in the Defense Forces. The Fort-600 is another single-shot hand-held grenade launcher that has been deployed in significant numbers. In April of this year, the Come Back Alive Foundation provided 884 Fort-600 grenade launchers to the military. The Ministry of Defense also recently codified and authorized a new domestic infantry rocket launcher for Army use.

ملخص الأخبار

• The UGL-40 is based on the American M203A1 design for M4 assault rifles, mounted on a chassis for autonomous use without main weapons.
• The UGL-40 has a shortened barrel of 224 mm with breech-loading, using standard NATO 40×46 mm ammunition.
• The M203A1 underbarrel grenade launcher can fire at targets up to 150 meters and up to 350 meters for group targets using various Western ammunition.
• Ukrainian military actively uses the Fort-600 grenade launcher alongside the UGL-40, with the Come Back Alive Foundation providing 884 Fort-600 units to the military in April of this year.