Bangladesh has incorporated advanced anti-tank ammunition supplied by Spain into its military arsenal, marking a pivotal moment in the modernization of its armed forces. The delivery, made by Zaragoza-based arms manufacturer Instalaza, included Alcotan-100 (M2) anti-tank weapons. This acquisition was highlighted during the annual parade of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), signaling a significant strengthening of the country's military preparedness as tensions in neighboring Myanmar continue to rise.
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The Alcotan-100, designed and manufactured in Spain, is a rocket launcher characterized by its disposable launch system and a reusable sight unit. (Picture source: Instalaza)
The Border Guard Bangladesh, together with the Bangladesh Army, has chosen to standardize these Spanish anti-tank weapons as part of a broader modernization effort. The Alcotan-100 (M2) system has gained international recognition for its performance, especially against Russian tanks in Ukraine, highlighting its capability against Russian/Soviet-origin armor, which is crucial for Bangladesh given its geopolitical context.
The Alcotan-100, designed and manufactured in Spain, is a rocket launcher characterized by its disposable launch system and a reusable sight unit. Designed for operation by a single person, it features an innovative design where the launch tube is single-use, while the sighting unit, called VOSEL, can be reused. This feature makes the Alcotan-100 both practical and economical for military forces.
Weighing between 9.8 kg and 10.5 kg depending on the type of rocket used, the Alcotan-100 is 1.15 meters long and has a diameter of 100 mm. It offers several types of rockets, tailored to various military objectives. The AT rocket, equipped with a tandem-shaped charge, is specifically designed to penetrate over 700 mm of Rolled Homogeneous Armour (RHA) behind Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA), with an effective range of up to 600 meters. The BIV rocket, with a single-shaped charge wrapped in a fragmentation sleeve, can penetrate over 400 mm of RHA and produces more than 1,000 fragments with a lethal radius of 16 meters, effective up to 1,200 meters. The ABK rocket is designed for anti-fortification with impressive penetration capabilities in reinforced concrete and steel, dispersing 2,500 steel balls of 2 mm diameter plus 300 fragments over a range of up to 600 meters.
The VOSEL sighting unit offers day and night aiming capabilities with 3x magnification. It includes a ballistic computer with lead indication and a laser rangefinder, allowing for increased accuracy when engaging targets. This advanced technology ensures a high probability of strike even in unfavorable conditions, enhancing the operator's ability to effectively engage armored or fortified targets at various distances.
The Bangladesh Army has standardized the Alcotan-100 for its Special Forces Para commando Brigade and airborne Para-Infantry Battalions. This decision, following a lengthy evaluation, marks a departure from older anti-tank systems such as the Type 69-1 RPGs and 106 mm recoilless rifles. The introduction of the Alcotan-100 (M2) aligns with a comprehensive military modernization strategy, ensuring that the forces remain combat-ready and capable of protecting national sovereignty and interests. The system is particularly effective in urban settings and for counter-terrorism operations.
The acquisition by the BGB includes not only the Alcotan-100 (M2) ammunition but also training simulators and the VOSEL (M2) Fire Control Unit, improving their operational and training capabilities. This enhancement of Bangladesh's military arsenal reflects a step towards the modernization of its defense capabilities, ensuring a higher level of preparedness and operational effectiveness in the face of evolving security challenges in the region.
