A video circulating on social media shows Ukrainian forces testing a drone equipped with an RPG-18 grenade launcher.
The RPG-18 Mukha is a disposable, 64mm anti-tank rocket launcher developed in 1972 by the Soviet Union. It is capable of firing a single grenade weighing 1.4 kilograms up to 200 meters. The warhead can penetrate up to 375mm of conventional armor, though it is less effective against modern reactive or composite armor. The RPG-18 is a single-use weapon, designed with a telescoping tube and a self-destruct mechanism that activates six seconds after launch. Although the RPG-18 is considered an older weapon, it remains in use due to its effectiveness against lightly armored targets and its low weight of 2.6 kilograms, making it ideal for quick, one-shot operations.
A Ukrainian aerial scout, speaking to the Kyiv Post, described the technology as still in the early stages of development but noted its potential for future use. The scout said the drone’s weaponized modification is still “raw” and needs further testing compared to more established kamikaze drones. He added that if the drone system is successfully developed, it could reduce the risk of injuries to engineers who currently face hazards while preparing kamikaze drones and explosive devices.
Footage of Ukrainian forces from the Wild Hornets drone group testing an FPV drone armed with a RPG-22 anti-tank rocket launcher.
(Yes that is the Terminator 2 theme playing) pic.twitter.com/8YcjFmmcmZ
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) September 13, 2024
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