Rostec for the first time presented the deeply upgraded RPG-29M handheld anti-tank grenade launcher at the defense exhibition World Defense Show 2026. Saudi Arabia is unlikely to buy it, but other countries may be interested in this product. This opinion was expressed by military expert Peter Suciu in an article for The National Interest.
The original RPG-29 "Vampire" entered service in 1989. It was developed by NPO "Bazalt".
The grenade launcher is designed to engage all types of tanks, armored and unarmored vehicles, as well as enemy personnel.
Initially, two types of ammunition were used for the RPG-29: PG-29V (a round with a tandem shaped-charge warhead) and TBG-29V (a round with a thermobaric warhead). Later, the OG-29 (a round with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead) was added. The latter was used as an anti-personnel weapon.
According to the expert, thousands of RPG-29 units made their way to Middle Eastern countries. It is believed that the grenade launcher was used by Iraqi forces in 2003.
According to some reports, during the operation the "Vampire" damaged one of the British Challenger 2 tanks. The experience of using this product was very successful, so the Iraqis copied its design. This is how the powerful Ghadir grenade launcher appeared.
The Gulf countries traditionally purchase weapons from the United States, but Russia is trying to strengthen its position in the region. The Kremlin views many developing countries as potential buyers.
What is known about the RPG-29M
Rostec reported that optical and thermal imaging sights can be installed on the handheld grenade launcher. The RPG-29M received an upgraded loading system, which made it possible to expand the range of ammunition.
The RPG-29M's long effective firing range and armor penetration, according to our specialists' assessments, make it a leader in its market segment.
What ammunition is used:
- anti-tank PG-29VM rounds
- thermobaric TBG-29VM rounds
- multi-purpose MG-29V rounds
- incendiary rounds
- cluster rounds
- fragmentation-beam rounds
Among the advantages of the RPG-29M are its accuracy, reduced weight, and ease of handling.
Read more materials on the topic:
- Terror flying on the wings of the night: Russian Kulibins combined an RPG and a drone
- "Pocket artillery" against tanks: servicemen in the Rostov Region destroyed mock enemy armored vehicles with an RPG-7V
- Simple and reliable: Rosoboroneksport named the advantages of the RPG-7
