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Ukraine Strengthens Its Anti-Tank Capabilities Thanks to a Donation from Czech Company.
On November 14, the Embassy of Ukraine in the Czech Republic hosted a symbolic ceremony marking the donation of RPG-7 anti-tank grenade launchers to Ukraine's Defense Forces. This contribution, valued at €765,000 (20 million Czech crowns), was provided by STV Group, one of the leading Czech manufacturers of munitions and military equipment.
Illustrative photo of an RPG-7 in action. (Picture source: Vitaly Kuzmin)
This initiative reflects the joint efforts between the Ukrainian Embassy and STV Group, highlighting the strategic partnership and shared commitment to addressing Ukraine’s defense needs. The RPG-7, a proven weapon in combat scenarios, is recognized for its reliability and effectiveness, particularly in modern warfare conditions.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Vasyl Zvarych expressed his gratitude to the Czech Republic and STV Group for their support. He emphasized the importance of this donation in the ongoing defense efforts:
"The delivery of this military aid is another example of the solidarity and unwavering support of our Czech friends. I am convinced that these grenade launchers, in the hands of our heroic soldiers, will play a crucial role in defending against the aggressor and protecting human lives."
The Czech Ministry of Defense announced that, by the end of May 2024, the country had provided Ukraine with military equipment worth 6.75 billion crowns (approximately $288 million). These deliveries included eight aircraft, 94,860 artillery munitions, 62 tanks, 131 infantry fighting vehicles, 26 chemical reconnaissance vehicles, 16 air defense vehicles, 13 howitzers, 12 multiple rocket launchers, and various small arms.
In July 2024, Ukraine and Czech manufacturer Sellier & Bellot agreed to build a munitions factory in Ukraine. This collaboration aims to strengthen the production capacity of small-caliber ammunition for Ukrainian forces.
Czech President Petr Pavel affirmed that supporting Ukraine is a major priority of the Czech Republic’s foreign and security policy. He emphasized the importance of stopping Russian aggression and ensuring its failure to maintain Europe’s economic and political stability.
The RPG-7 is an iconic anti-tank weapon widely used around the world for its versatility and effectiveness in various combat scenarios. This rocket-propelled grenade launcher is designed for use by a single soldier, making it a mobile and adaptable tool for many tactical situations. With a combat weight of 6.3 kg and a length of 950 mm, it is relatively compact and easy to handle on the battlefield.
The weapon can engage targets at distances ranging from 200 to 500 meters, thanks to an optical sight system complemented by night vision for low-light operations. It is capable of deploying a variety of rockets, such as the PG-7V, PG-7VL, PG-7VR, TBG-7V, and OG-7V, allowing it to adapt to different types of targets. These projectiles range in caliber from 40 to 105 mm, with individual weights varying between 2.6 and 4.5 kg.
The RPG-7 is particularly effective against a wide range of targets, including light vehicles, infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers, helicopters, and even structures like buildings. In terms of armor penetration, it can pierce armor up to 760 mm thick, depending on the rocket used, making it a formidable weapon against heavily armored vehicles.
The donation of RPG-7 grenade launchers underscores the vital role of international cooperation in strengthening Ukraine's defensive capabilities. This gesture further solidifies the bonds of friendship and mutual support between the Czech Republic and Ukraine during these challenging times.