Belarus develops new lightweight rocket launcher

Date Posted: 24-May-2017
Author: Nikolai Novichkov, Minsk
Publication: Jane's Defence Weekly

Belarusian company BSVT-VV is developing a new multipurpose rocket launcher called the MM-60, a representative of the company told Jane's at the MILEX 2017 exhibition in Minsk.

"Having analysed recent conflicts, the world market, and potential customers' requirements, we have decided that a portable rocket launcher with a weight of 4-5 kg is the most demanded and highly sought option," the official said. "The launcher being developed has a calibre of 60 mm, a weight of approximately 4 kg without sighting system, and a full weight of 5 kg," he added.
According to the BSVT-VV source, the new system allows the precise elimination of targets at a range of up to 500 m through the use of an advanced fire control unit that drastically reduces the impact of the so-called 'human factor'.
"It can destroy various types of targets, including personnel, buildings, and armoured vehicles," the specialist pointed out.

The new system comprises a disposable rocket launcher and an external sighting system, namely either an optical sight, a night-vision device, or a thermal imager.
"The weapon is fitted with a multipurpose warhead that combines high-explosive, fragmentation and high-explosive anti-tank lethal effects, said the BSVT-VV official, claiming that it "can engage almost all types of combat vehicles on the battlefield".
He added that "the ballistic specifications of the system are planned to be tested this year, while the trials are scheduled for 2018".

COMMENT
The MM-60 grenade launcher seems to be a compact but effective close combat weapon able to address various types of target. Its closest rival, the Nammo M72 EC Mk2, features almost the same calibre (66 mm) and a slightly lower weight (3.4 kg without sight). However, its effective range is around two-thirds (350 m) of that claimed for the MM-60, while its armour-piercing capability (300 mm) is not sufficient to engage heavy armour on the battlefield. It remains to be seen how the MM-60 will perform against similar targets.The LEMT scientific and research centre of Belarusian optics company BelOMO showcased a number of red dot, optical, and infrared sights for man-portable rocket launchers at the MILEX 2017 show, including the TV/S 25M advanced thermal imager with a target detection range of 1,800 m. Such sighting systems would serve to complement the MM-60.