#UBGL

The Soviet Union and Russia have a long history of developing and utilizing suppressed weapon systems. Various suppressed weapons, including Kalashnikov rifles, machine guns, and even silent mortar systems, are currently in service. The first Soviet silent grenade launchers were the Tishina and the Canary. These systems used a special blank cartridge to propel a piston that launched a grenade, significantly reducing the sound generated upon firing.

A recent development in the Russian GP under-barrel grenade launcher series is the GP-46, part of Kalashnikov Concern's export series of weapons chambered in NATO calibers. Chambered in NATO 40×46mm low-velocity (LV) ammunition, this launcher is introduced alongside the new AK-19 assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. In today's geopolitical arena, this is for those customers wanting to balance their friendship between two global superpowers.

In the jungles of Vietnam, US special forces started to deploy under-barrel grenade launchers with the philosophy of combining grenadier and rifleman “seamlessly” into one platform. Beginning development in 1964 with the GLAD project (Grenade Launcher Attachment Development), MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam-Studies, and Observation Group) operators were finally slung in 1967 with the XM148 grenade launchers under their XM177 carbines, the progenitors of the Colt Commando, M4 series, and arguably, the AKS-74U “Krinkov.” Just a year later, the US was fielding to great effect full-size M16s with the pump open XM203, instantly recognizable by its distinct cheese grater ventilated heat shield over the rifle’s barrel. Soviet intelligence quickly took notice of this development cycle, likely long before the weapon ended up in the hands of US operators.

The CZ GL is a lightweight, compact grenade launcher designed for versatility and reliability. Chambered in 40×46 NATO, it features an ambidextrous manual safety, a 4-position telescopic stock, and tool-free QD attachment points. The hybrid double-layered barrel and trigger drop safety enhance performance and user safety. A chamber indicator provides visual and tactile confirmation of loading status. Tested to withstand 2,000 rounds, the CZ GL meets NATO ACC225/D14 Drop Safety standards. It can be used independently or mounted under a rifle, making it suitable for various tactical applications.

In 2016, a new conceptual mockup of a grenade launcher was revealed to the public in Russia. It was previously showcased as a working example at the Army Forum 2012 military expo near Moscow. Since its announcement, I have developed a growing interest in this concept. As a former grenadier, I appreciate the advantages of a lighter weapon-mounted system and the ability to achieve extended ranges.

Kalashnikov Concern released a new AK underbarrel grenade launcher called GP-46 (ГП-46). The new launcher is chambered in 40x46mm. Yes, that’s the NATO 40mm low-velocity round, not the Russian 40mm caseless round used in other GP series of underbarrel grenade launchers like the GP-25, GP-30, and GP-34. But no, Russia is not adopting the NATO round as this is a product designed for a foreign customer.