RPG-32
The RPG-32 Barkas is a reusable, shoulder-launched anti-tank grenade launcher developed by the Russian state-owned Bazalt organization between 2005 and 2007 under contract and at the request of Jordan.[1] It features a compact design with a 105 mm caliber, weighing approximately 2.7 kg without sights, and is capable of firing unguided rockets to engage modern battle tanks, armored vehicles, fortifications, and personnel in urban or field environments.[2] The system supports ammunition such as the PG-32V high-explosive anti-tank round for penetrating up to 650 mm of armor and the TBG-32V thermobaric round for anti-personnel and bunker effects, with an effective firing range of up to 700 m and a service life rated for 200 shots.[3] Designed as a multipurpose weapon to address shortcomings in earlier RPG models like the RPG-29, the RPG-32 incorporates input from Jordanian requirements for lightweight, versatile anti-armor capabilities suitable for special forces and infantry.[3] First deliveries occurred in 2008 to Jordan, where it is known as the Hashim or Nashshab, and production was later established through a Jordanian-Russian joint venture in 2013 near Amman.[1] Operators include the armed forces of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Russia, with the weapon's reusability and portability distinguishing it from disposable launchers in enhancing operational flexibility.[3] Variants such as the Raptor have been developed for extended applications, though the core system remains focused on direct-fire anti-tank roles without notable controversies in its deployment history.[4]Development
Origins and requirements
The RPG-32 Hashim was developed as a joint Russian-Jordanian project initiated by a contract from the Jordanian Armed Forces to the Russian state-owned enterprise NPO Bazalt, with Jordan providing funding for the program.[4] The development stemmed from Jordan's requirement for a modern, portable anti-tank weapon system that could effectively engage contemporary main battle tanks equipped with explosive reactive armor, as well as lighter armored and unarmored targets, while minimizing operator training and preparation time compared to legacy systems like the RPG-7.[3][5] Design work began in the mid-2000s, with a mock-up first publicly demonstrated at the Special Operations Forces exhibition in 2005, highlighting its reusability, dual-caliber compatibility (72mm and 105mm projectiles), and compact form factor suitable for urban combat and special forces operations.[4] These requirements emphasized versatility in ammunition types to address diverse threats, including tandem warheads for armor penetration and thermobaric options for enclosed spaces, reflecting Jordan's operational needs in regional conflicts involving advanced armored threats.[3] The collaboration leveraged Bazalt's expertise in rocket-propelled grenade systems, resulting in a launcher that prioritized ergonomic handling, rapid deployment, and effectiveness against third- and fourth-generation tanks, fulfilling Jordan's demand for an upgrade over Soviet-era designs without relying on heavier Western alternatives. Licensed production commenced in Jordan at the JADARA facility near Amman, incorporating Russian technology to meet local manufacturing and sustainment requirements.[4]Design process and testing
The RPG-32 project was initiated in 2005 by Jordan's King Abdullah II during the IDEX exhibition in Abu Dhabi, with development led by Russia's state-owned Bazalt organization (also known as GNPP Bazalt or JSC SPA Bazalt) under contract to meet Jordanian requirements for a lightweight, modular anti-tank weapon effective against modern armored vehicles.[6][4] The design emphasized modularity, incorporating a reusable firing and sighting unit—a compact 360 mm long, 3 kg aluminum alloy tube with integrated grips, trigger mechanism, and optics mount—paired with disposable rocket containers to reduce weight and logistics demands compared to predecessors like the RPG-7.[6][7] This approach inherited proven elements from earlier Soviet/Russian grenade launchers, such as tandem-warhead rocket propulsion and unguided flight stabilization, while introducing compatibility with both 72.5 mm and 105 mm caliber munitions for versatility against personnel, light vehicles, and heavily armored targets.[7] Design work was completed by 2006–2007, focusing on ergonomic improvements like a folding stock, ambidextrous controls, and optional electro-optical sights (e.g., GS-1DN night vision or GS-2R reflex models) to enhance accuracy in low-light or dynamic urban environments.[4][6] A mock-up was publicly demonstrated at the SOFEX exhibition in Amman, Jordan, in 2006, validating the prototype's form factor and integration of Russian-sourced components with potential local assembly.[4] Trials commenced in 2006–2007, involving live-fire evaluations of the launcher's recoil management, rocket trajectory stability, and warhead penetration against simulated targets, which confirmed its operational reliability and led to adoption by the Royal Jordanian Army.[6] Despite the "Barkas" designation suggesting potential Russian service, no evidence indicates formal adoption by Russian forces following these tests, with production shifting to licensed assembly in Jordan by JADARA Equipment and Defence Systems (via JRESCO joint venture) starting in mid-2013 using knockdown kits from Bazalt.[6][7]Production and adoption
The RPG-32 was designed and initially produced by Russia's state-owned NPO Bazalt, with development spanning 2005 to 2012 under a contract for the Jordanian Armed Forces.[4][8] First deliveries of the RPG-32, designated Hashim in Jordan, occurred in 2008, marking its entry into service.[3][9] In 2013, licensed production began in Jordan through a joint venture, with Rostec overseeing the establishment of facilities for assembly and testing of RPG-32 launchers using Russian-supplied components.[10] This arrangement, handled by JADARA Equipment and Defence Systems, aimed to enable local manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports.[4] Mass production of the launcher and its ammunition was planned alongside these efforts to meet regional demands.[9] Adoption has been limited primarily to Middle Eastern operators. Jordan integrated the RPG-32 as a lightweight anti-tank system for its forces, followed by acquisitions from Iraq and the United Arab Emirates.[3][11] No widespread adoption by Russian forces has been reported, positioning the weapon mainly as an export product tailored for urban and asymmetric warfare needs in exporting nations.[4]Design and technical specifications
Launcher components and ergonomics
The RPG-32 launcher employs a short, reusable firing unit constructed from lightweight materials, with the tube measuring 360 mm in length and weighing 3 kg empty.[1] This unit integrates pistol grips for stable handling, electronic firing controls, and a mount for optical or collimating sights, along with a top-mounted carrying handle for transport.[7][12] Disposable rocket-propelled grenade canisters, pre-loaded with 72 mm or 105 mm munitions, attach to either end of the tube, enabling bidirectional loading and firing configurations to accommodate diverse tactical scenarios.[7][8] Ergonomic features emphasize operator efficiency, including ambidextrous controls and a balanced weight distribution that totals 6 to 10 kg when fully assembled with ammunition.[6] The design supports firing from prone, kneeling, or standing positions, with intuitive trigger mechanisms and sight alignment for rapid target acquisition up to 700 m.[13][1] Rearward attachment of canisters minimizes backblast hazards in confined urban spaces, while the compact profile—extending to 1.2 m overall—facilitates maneuverability and concealment during infantry operations.[13] These attributes, validated through Russian testing protocols, prioritize minimal user fatigue and high accuracy under dynamic combat conditions.[1]Sighting and firing mechanisms
The RPG-32 employs a modular reusable firing and sighting unit integrated into a short launch tube, featuring grips and controls for shoulder-fired operation. The primary sighting system consists of a detachable collimating optical sight, designated 1P81, mounted on the left side of the tube, which provides daylight aiming capability out to 700 meters for both 72 mm and 105 mm rocket types.[1][7] This open reflex-style sight uses a projected reticle for rapid target acquisition, compensating for rocket trajectory drop at extended ranges without requiring complex adjustments.[4] Firing is initiated electrically via a trigger mechanism located on the right-side pistol grip, generating a high-voltage pulse to ignite the rocket's booster and sustainer motors upon loading a disposable rocket tube into the reusable unit.[3][8] The system includes a manual safety selector to arm the firing circuit only after proper tube insertion and alignment, minimizing back-blast hazards in confined spaces while enabling effective ranges from 200 to 700 meters.[4] Optional advanced sighting modules, such as the GS-2R, can replace the standard 1P81; this variant incorporates a laser rangefinder for precise ballistic computation and compatibility with night vision devices, extending usability in low-light conditions.[14][6] Such enhancements, observed in fielded examples, improve hit probability against moving or distant targets but are not standard on base models produced by Bazalt.[3]Ammunition types and warheads
The RPG-32 fires disposable rocket-propelled grenades in two calibers: 105 mm and 72 mm, with the ammunition designed for ballistic compatibility across types to achieve a maximum range of 700 m and an effective range of up to 350 m.[1][7] The system supports four warhead variants—two per caliber—allowing flexibility for anti-armor, anti-personnel, and urban combat roles, with each rocket measuring approximately 1 m in length and weighing 7.5 kg.[4] The primary 105 mm warhead is the PG-32V, a tandem high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) round derived from the RPG-27's PG-7VR, featuring a precursor shaped charge to trigger explosive reactive armor (ERA) followed by a main charge that penetrates up to 650 mm of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) behind ERA.[4] The PG-32V incorporates a self-destruct mechanism for unengaged rounds and achieves a muzzle velocity of 140 m/s.[15] The complementary TBG-32V is a thermobaric warhead optimized for blasting fortified positions, bunkers, and personnel in enclosed spaces through a fuel-air explosion, rather than armor penetration.[3] The 72 mm ammunition, adapted from the RPG-26's PG-26 design, offers lighter-weight alternatives for reduced recoil and portability, with a single-stage HEAT warhead suitable for lighter vehicles (penetrating approximately 440 mm RHA) and a thermobaric option analogous to the TBG-32V for multi-purpose effects against infantry and structures.| Warhead | Caliber (mm) | Type | Key Capabilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| PG-32V | 105 | Tandem HEAT | 650 mm RHA penetration post-ERA; anti-tank focus |
| TBG-32V | 105 | Thermobaric | Bunker/personnel defeat via fuel-air blast[3] |
| PG-72 equivalent | 72 | Single-stage HEAT | ~440 mm RHA; lighter anti-armor role |
| TBG-72 equivalent | 72 | Thermobaric | Anti-personnel/urban effects; reduced weight[1] |