Vietnam's defense industry has now mastered a range of advanced technologies for producing sophisticated automatic grenade launchers, on par with major powers.
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| In a recent program showcasing the achievements of the Institute of Weapons, General Department of Defense Industry, broadcast by QPVN channel, alongside modern anti-tank guns and machine guns, we, with a spirit of self-reliance and self-strength, have successfully developed and mass-produced automatic grenade launchers with capabilities comparable to foreign products. (Image: The red marker shows the MGL Mk 1 grenade launcher, manufactured in Vietnam based on a South African design. Source: QPVN channel) |
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| MGL is an acronym for "Multiple Grenade Launcher" – a semi-automatic rotary grenade launcher using 40mm grenades, developed and manufactured by Milkor in South Africa. It was the world's first mass-produced multiple grenade launcher. Since its creation, the MGL has been used in 30 different countries due to its reliability in harsh environments such as tropical rainforests and deserts. (Image source: QPVN Channel) |
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| The MGL grenade launcher significantly increases the firepower of small combat groups compared to other grenade launchers such as the M79 or M203. It is designed to be simple, robust, and reliable. Its rotary cylinder design has long proven its reliability, and it also boasts a relatively high rate of fire if the trigger is pulled continuously. (Image source: QPVN Channel) |
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| The MGL uses a dual-action mechanism with a 6-round rotating cylinder that uses 40x46mm grenades. The cylinder rotates clockwise after each trigger pull. When reloading, a pull-out button located in front of the cylinder, parallel to the barrel, unlocks the cylinder and allows it to be pushed aside to load new grenades. A safety lock is located on the right side behind the trigger. This weapon is also designed to prevent accidental firing if dropped. (Image source: QPVN Channel) |
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| The Vietnamese MGL Mk1 automatic grenade launcher uses 40x46 grenades, achieving a firing rate of 18-21 rounds per minute, a muzzle velocity of 76 m/s, an effective range of 375 m, and a maximum range of 400 m. The weapon uses an Armson OEG collimator sight system mounted slightly to the side or a reflex sight system mounted on top of the weapon. (Image source: QPVN Channel) |
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| Besides the MGL Mk1, Vietnam has also successfully produced the AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher, based on the Soviet model. It was developed for infantry support or suppressing enemy infantry. The AGS-17 can be disassembled for mobile transport or mounted on armored vehicles or helicopters. |
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| The AGS-17 and MGL are considered the nemesis of the human wave tactic – meaning one side uses its overwhelming numbers to launch a massive, close-quarters attack, accepting casualties because the charge will be easily decimated by enemy fire. Such a massive, overwhelming assault might intimidate the enemy, but it can result in very high casualties. |
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| The rifle has a compact and simple design, with the entire rifle body mounted on a tripod, and a circular magazine holding 29 rounds of 30mm ammunition. For ease of carrying and transport, the rifle mount is designed to be easily folded and packed into a specialized backpack. The total weight is only about 31kg. |
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| A close-up view of the circular magazine containing 29 rounds of the AGS-17 grenade launcher. The weapon primarily uses two types of ammunition: VOG-17 and VOG-17M. It can fire single shots, short bursts of 5 rounds, or long bursts of 10 rounds. |
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| The AGS-17 grenade launcher has a range of 800m with mechanical sights or 1.7km with optical sights. In the image, a close-up of the firing plate on the AGS-17's body is shown; the optical sight is mounted on the left side of the weapon. |
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| The AGS-17 grenade launcher uses a recoil-operated loading mechanism, has a firing rate of 350-400 rounds per minute, and an effective range of 1.7 km. |
According to Kienthuc
