US delivers AK-47 assault rifles and RPG-7 rocket launchers to Ukraine.

The United States government has announced the transfer of an important stockpile of weapons and ammunition to the Ukrainian armed forces. This transfer, which took place on April 4, 2024, included over 5,000 AK-47s, machine guns, sniper rifles, RPG-7s, and more than 500,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. The weaponry provided is sufficient to outfit an entire Ukrainian brigade with small arms rifles, reinforcing Ukraine's ability to defend itself against external threats.
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United States has announced the transfer of Ak-47 and RPG-7 to the Ukrainian armed forces. (Picture source: US DoD)

The origins of these munitions trace back to a complex international incident. The U.S. government gained ownership of these weapons on December 1, 2023, following civil forfeiture claims against Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) by the Department of Justice. These munitions were initially seized by U.S. Central Command and partner naval forces from four separate stateless vessels between May 22, 2021, and February 15, 2023.

Investigations revealed that these weapons were destined for the Houthis in Yemen, in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2216. This resolution prohibits the transfer of arms to Yemeni rebel groups. The involvement of US CENTCOM in intercepting these weapons underscores its commitment to disrupting the flow of Iranian arms in the region, in line with both U.S. and U.N. sanctions.

The RPG-7 is a portable and versatile anti-tank rocket launcher widely used in armed conflicts worldwide. It is designed to be operated by a single soldier, offering great portability on the battlefield. The weapon is equipped with various types of rockets, including the PG-7V, PG-7VL, PG-7VR, TBG-7V, and OG-7V, which can be selected based on the target and combat conditions.

With a rocket weight ranging from 4.5 to 2.6 kilograms depending on the model, and a combat weight of 6.3 kilograms ready to fire, the RPG-7 is relatively lightweight and maneuverable. Its effective range extends from 200 to 500 meters, making it effective against a variety of targets, including light vehicles, infantry combat vehicles, armored personnel carriers, helicopters, and buildings.

The weapon is capable of penetrating armor ranging from 200 to 760 millimeters, making it a serious threat to armored vehicles and fortified installations. The RPG-7 is equipped with a guidance system including an optical sight and night vision, providing increased accuracy and effectiveness even in low-light conditions.

In terms of caliber, the RPG-7 is compatible with rockets of 40, 70, and 105 millimeters. With a total length of 950 millimeters, the RPG-7 is relatively compact, making it easy to transport and maneuver on the battlefield. In summary, the RPG-7 is a versatile, portable, and formidable weapon, widely used to engage a variety of targets in diverse combat situations.

The AK-47, or Avtomat Kalashnikova model 1947, is an iconic Soviet-origin assault rifle designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov. It was introduced into service in 1949 and has been widely used by armed forces worldwide since then. The AK-47 is recognized for its reliability, simplicity, and robustness, characteristics that have made it one of the most widespread and influential weapons of the 20th century.

The rifle is chambered in 7.62×39mm and utilizes a gas-operated system with a closed rotating bolt. Its automatic firing rate is approximately 600 rounds per minute, though its practical rate in semi-automatic mode is lower, around 40 rounds per minute. With an effective firing range of up to 350 meters, the AK-47 is effective in a variety of combat situations.

Technically, the AK-47 has undergone several modifications over the years, giving rise to many variants. The Type 2A model is one of the most well-known variants. It features a fixed wooden stock and a Type 3 receiver. The rifle is also available with a folding stock, making it a more compact option for transportation and storage.

In terms of dimensions, the AK-47 with a Type 3 receiver measures approximately 880 millimeters with the fixed wooden stock. The weight of the rifle without a magazine is around 3.47 kilograms. The AK-47 is compatible with various types of magazines, including detachable box magazines of 20, 30, and 50 rounds, as well as drum magazines of 40 and 75 rounds.

The AK-47 is equipped with adjustable iron sights from 100 to 800 meters, providing increased accuracy and versatility on the battlefield. With an estimated production of around 75 million AK-47s and over 100 million Kalashnikov-family weapons, its influence and importance in the firearms field are undeniable.

The decision of the United States government to transfer these captured weapons to Ukraine underscores its continued support for the country's defense against external aggression. While the origin of these equipment may be unconventional, they will be more than welcome on the Ukrainian front.