Saha Expo International Defense Exhibition Turkey Istanbul

Russian security forces ordered five times more RGS-50M grenade launchers compared to 2014 11112151

Military Defense Industry Technology - RGS-50 Grenade launcher

Russian security forces ordered five times more RGS-50M grenade launchers compared to 2014.

The order to supply RGS-50M special purpose grenade launchers, manufactured by the Degtyaryov Plant Joint-Stock Company, has increased by 5 times compared to 2014, the company officials have told TASS, specifying that the principal customers are Russia’s law enforcement agencies.

RGS-50M grenade launcher at Engineering technologies 2010 exhibition in Russia.

"The next year’s orders for it have grown by five times. The largest customer is the Ministry of Interior. Besides, supplies are made to the Ministries of Federal Security and Defense," said Sergey Pustovalov, acting head of the gun production department.

The RGS-50M special purpose grenade launcher is designed for producing a psychological effect and temporary disablement of armed criminals who have captured transport vehicles. In addition, the weapon is used for urgent door opening in assaulting buildings seized by terrorists.

The weapon includes grenades for psychological, stunning, and blinding impact on the foe, by using tear gas, sound and light effect, and elastic hitting elements for body injury.

The source told the agency that such grenade launchers are often used during mass riots, for instance in corrective facilities and labor camps.

The RGS-50 grenade launcher was developed during late 1980s as a dedicated riot control weapon for Russian Law Enforcement (KGB in particular) organizations. During late 1990s it was slightly modified with changes in trigger, stock and recoil buffer, and was designated RGS-50M.

he RGS-50M is primary a less-lethal and door-breaching weapon, although it also can fire 'lethal' high explosive fragmentation and armor piercing rounds. The sighting equipment consist of a fixed front sight and folding ladder-type rear sight,marked from 50 to 150 meters.