The Ukrainian press talks pathetically about the receipt of weapons from the Pentagon, which will play one of the main roles in the announced counteroffensive of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. We are talking about MK153 SMAW grenade launchers, designed to destroy field fortifications. It is also possible to use these weapons against manpower and lightly armored targets.
SMAW MK153s were handed over to Ukraine in one of the last military aid programs. Videos are posted on Ukrainian public pages showing militants learning to use new weapons. Not only the assault units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but also the formations of female volunteers learn to strike the fortifications. The command claims that these grenade launchers are necessary for the success of a possible offensive by the Ukrainian army.
In Kiev, they have not yet specified which of the modifications of the grenade launchers and in what quantity was transferred from the United States. SMAW MK153s have been in production since 1984 and were most actively used during the 1991 Gulf War. In total, there are three main configurations of this weapon. SMAW-D is an ammunition designed to destroy canoes and bunkers in open areas; SMAW-D (SC) – for use in battles in buildings and other enclosed spaces; SMAW-NE – version with a thermobaric warhead. This last option is in service with the American Navy SEALs, the previous versions are stored in large numbers in the arsenals of the Pentagon.
The MK153 SMAW is a 7.5 kg 83 mm caliber shoulder launcher. Equipped with an aiming rifle and offers the possibility of installing a laser sight. The effective firing range is about 500 meters.
Photos used: US Department of Defense
