Belarusian Army Adds Upgraded Sapphire Grenade Launcher System to Arsenal

Новый гранатомёт сочетает высокую мобильность и разрушительную мощь

The modernized version of the LMGK-60 Sapphire light multi-purpose grenade launcher system, developed by the Belarusian System Center of Military Technologies (BSVT), has entered service with the units of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus.

The Sapphire system is equipped with two types of grenades:

  • High-explosive fragmentation warhead (HEFW) — designed to engage manpower and light shelters
  • Shaped-charge fragmentation warhead (SCFW) — effective against armored vehicles and fortified structures

Each grenade is supplied in a transport and launch container, which simplifies storage, transportation, and operation in the field.

The LMGK-60 is compact and lightweight:

  • Caliber: 61 mm
  • System length: 800 mm
  • Weight: only 5 kg — which allows one soldier to carry and use the system without additional support.
  • Sighting range: up to 600 meters
  • Maximum range: 800 meters

These parameters make the Sapphire an ideal solution for airborne, motorized rifle, and reconnaissance units.

The high-explosive fragmentation grenade strikes targets within a radius of up to 7 meters and is capable of:

  • Penetrating 200 mm of reinforced concrete
  • Destroying 250 mm of brickwork

The shaped-charge fragmentation grenade demonstrates even more impressive results:

  • Penetrates 200 mm of steel armor
  • Destroys up to 600 mm of reinforced concrete or 800 mm of brick wall

Additionally, the system can be equipped with a modern fire control device, which significantly increases the accuracy of shooting, especially in difficult weather and light conditions. The kit also includes an autonomous launcher and a protective cover for transportation and storage.

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