Solutions to win: Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense codifies nearly 40 small arms and grenade launcher models in 2024

In 2024, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine codified and approved using roughly 30 types of small arms and nearly 10 grenade launcher models. These weapons were developed in Germany, the Czech Republic, Belgium, the USA, and other countries, including Ukraine.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported that.

The codified models include:

• pistols,
• assault machine guns,
• sniper rifles.

In addition, among the small arms models allowed for use are products of Ukrainian gunsmiths, in particular, a universal shotgun rifle, which can be used against enemy infantry and drones.

^{Photo: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine}

"The list of codified models includes pistols, machine guns, assault and sniper rifles manufactured by arms concerns in Germany, the Czech Republic, Belgium, the USA, etc.," the press service of the ministry reports.

The ministry indicates that Western-made weapons are more effective and convenient than Soviet or Russian models and are "distinguished by a significantly higher culture of factory performance."

Soldiers also highly appreciate the ergonomics and ease of use of Western-made assault rifles and machine guns. For example, Western-made assault rifles use 5.56 x 45 mm NATO cartridges, which have more incredible bullet energy than the Soviet 5.45 x 39 mm small arms ammunition. Therefore, Western weapons have an advantage in lethality.

"Its weapons arsenal primarily judges the capabilities of an army. It's not just about the number of tanks, artillery systems, and MLRS units but also about what the infantry is equipped with. New weapons in our soldiers' hands provide greater battlefield opportunities. Modern small arms and grenade launchers from top international manufacturers and domestic gunsmiths enable our soldiers to shoot more accurately and engage enemies from longer distances. Superior weapon characteristics and greater reliability are crucial factors affecting both the outcomes of combat missions and the lives of our soldiers," First Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Ivan Havryliuk said.

All the grenade launchers codified by the Ministry of Defense in 2024 feature 40 and 84-mm NATO calibers. These include products from European and American arms manufacturers. Among the Ukrainian models approved by the Defense Forces are a hand-held grenade launcher and a 40 mm under-barrel grenade launcher.

For reference:

The Ministry of Defense recently codified and approved the delivery of the "Varan" buggy, a Ukrainian all-terrain vehicle built for tough operating conditions.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has also officially codified and approved using a new unmanned ground robotic complex called "Tarhan" for the Defense Forces units.

In addition, the Ministry of Defense has established new requirements for quality control of items of material support for Ukraine's armed forces. Technical inspection and testing of product samples will be carried out using modern methods that meet international standards.