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Combat use: Moldavian army didn't have a single T-64BV. Transnistrian did.
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{{Short description|Soviet recoilless gun}}
{{Infobox weapon
{{Infobox weapon
|name=SPG-9
| name = SPG-9
|image=SPG-9M rus.jpeg
| image = SPG-9M rus.jpeg
|image_size=300
| image_size = 300
|caption=A Russian SPG-9M
| caption = A Russian SPG-9M
|origin=Soviet Union
| origin = {{flag|Soviet Union}}
|type=[[Recoilless gun]]<br/>[[Anti-tank gun]]
| type = [[Recoilless gun]]<br/>[[Anti-tank gun]]
<!-- Type selection -->
<!-- Type selection -->
|is_ranged=yes
| is_ranged = yes
|is_artillery=yes
| is_artillery = yes
<!-- Service history -->
<!-- Service history -->
|service=1962–present
| service = 1962–present
|used_by=
| used_by =
|wars=[[Vietnam War]]<br/>[[Iran–Iraq War]]<br/>[[Salvadoran Civil War]]<br/>[[Lord's Resistance Army insurgency]]<br/>[[Gulf War]]<br/>[[Lebanese Civil War]]<br/>[[Iraq War]]<br/>[[Second Sudanese Civil War]]<ref>{{cite journal|date=August 1998 |volume=10|issue=4|title=Sudan – Global trade, local impact: Arms Transfers to all Sides in the Civil War in Sudan|url=https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/sudan0898%20Report.pdf|page=24|journal=Human Rights Watch Report}}</ref><br/>[[Sudanese conflict in South Kordofan and Blue Nile|Third Sudanese Civil War]]<br/>[[Libyan Crisis (2011–present)|Libyan Civil Wars]]<ref name="Neville 2018 12,35">{{cite book|title=Technicals: Non-Standard Tactical Vehicles from the Great Toyota War to modern Special Forces|series=New Vanguard 257|first=Leigh|last=Neville|date=19 Apr 2018|isbn=978-1-4728-2251-2|publisher=Osprey Publishing|pages=12, 35|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mGlPDwAAQBAJ|access-date=25 October 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026064443/https://books.google.fr/books?id=mGlPDwAAQBAJ|archive-date=26 October 2018}}</ref><br/>[[Northern Mali conflict]]<br/>[[Syrian Civil War]]{{sfn|Neville|2018|p=37}}<br/>[[War in Donbas (2014–2022)|War in Donbass]]<br/>[[Iraqi Civil War (2014–2017)]]<br/>[[Yemeni Civil War (2015–present)]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8kYvGMUaVs |title=UN accuses Saudi, UAE of funding armed groups in Yemen |website=[[YouTube]] |access-date=2017-08-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823033234/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8kYvGMUaVs |archive-date=2017-08-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKfs_whXnis |title=Taiz: Houthi fighters battle militia in Yemen city |date=25 August 2016 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><br/>[[Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen]]<br/>[[2022 Kyrgyzstan–Tajikistan clashes]]<br/>[[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]]<!-- Production history -->
| wars = [[Vietnam War]]<br/>[[Iran–Iraq War]]<br/>[[Salvadoran Civil War]]<br/>[[Lord's Resistance Army insurgency]]<br/>[[Gulf War]]<br/>[[Lebanese Civil War]]<br/>[[Iraq War]]<br/>[[Second Sudanese Civil War]]<ref>{{cite journal|date=August 1998 |volume=10|issue=4|title=Sudan – Global trade, local impact: Arms Transfers to all Sides in the Civil War in Sudan|url=https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/sudan0898%20Report.pdf|page=24|journal=Human Rights Watch Report}}</ref><br/>[[Sudanese conflict in South Kordofan and Blue Nile|Third Sudanese Civil War]]<br/>[[Libyan Crisis (2011–present)|Libyan Civil Wars]]<ref name="Neville 2018 12,35">{{cite book|title=Technicals: Non-Standard Tactical Vehicles from the Great Toyota War to modern Special Forces|series=New Vanguard 257|first=Leigh|last=Neville|date=19 Apr 2018|isbn=978-1-4728-2251-2|publisher=Osprey Publishing|pages=12, 35|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mGlPDwAAQBAJ|access-date=25 October 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026064443/https://books.google.fr/books?id=mGlPDwAAQBAJ|archive-date=26 October 2018}}</ref><br/>[[Northern Mali conflict]]<br/>[[Syrian Civil War]]{{sfn|Neville|2018|p=37}}<br/>[[War in Iraq (2013-2017)]]<br/>[[War in Donbas (2014–2022)|War in Donbas]]<br/>[[Yemeni Civil War (2014–present)]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8kYvGMUaVs |title=UN accuses Saudi, UAE of funding armed groups in Yemen |website=[[YouTube]] |access-date=2017-08-24 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823033234/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8kYvGMUaVs |archive-date=2017-08-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKfs_whXnis |title=Taiz: Houthi fighters battle militia in Yemen city |date=25 August 2016 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><br/>[[Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen]]<br/>[[2022 Kyrgyzstan–Tajikistan clashes]]<br/>[[Russo-Ukraine War]]<br/>[[Israel-Hamas War]]<!-- Production history -->
|designer=
| designer =
|design_date=
| design_date =
|manufacturer=
| manufacturer =
|production_date=
| production_date =
|number=
| number =
|variants=
| variants =
<!-- General specifications -->
<!-- General specifications -->
|weight={{convert|47.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<br/>{{convert|59.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<br/>with tripod<ref name="opfor"/>
| weight = {{convert|47.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<br/>{{convert|59.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<br/>with tripod<ref name="opfor"/>
|length={{convert|2.11|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name="opfor"/>
| length = {{convert|2.11|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name="opfor"/>
|part_length=
| part_length =
|width={{convert|99|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}<br/>allowing full traverse<ref name="opfor"/>
| width = {{convert|99|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}<br/>allowing full traverse<ref name="opfor"/>
|height={{convert|80|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name="opfor"/>
| height = {{convert|80|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name="opfor"/>
|diameter=
| diameter =
|crew=2 (1 gunner, 1 loader)
| crew = 2 (1 gunner, 1 loader)
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
|cartridge=
| cartridge =
|caliber={{convert|73|mm|in|abbr=on}} [[smoothbore]]<ref name="opfor">OPFOR Worldwide Equipment Guide, TRADOC DCSINT Threat Support Directorate, January 21, 1999</ref>
| caliber = {{convert|73|mm|in|abbr=on}} [[smoothbore]]<ref name="opfor">OPFOR Worldwide Equipment Guide, TRADOC DCSINT Threat Support Directorate, January 21, 1999</ref>
|action=
| action =
|rate=5–6 rounds per minute<ref name="opfor"/>
| rate = 5–6 rounds per minute<ref name="opfor"/>
|velocity={{convert|250|–|435|m/s|ft/s|abbr=on}}
| velocity = {{convert|250|–|435|m/s|ft/s| abbr=on}}
|range={{convert|800|m|yd|abbr=on}}
| range = {{convert|800|m|yd| abbr=on}}
|max_range={{convert|1,200|–|6,500|m|yd|abbr=on}}
| max_range = {{convert|1,200|–|6,500|m|yd| abbr=on}}
|feed=Manually [[Breechloader|breech-loaded]]
| feed = Manually [[Breechloader|breech-loaded]]
|sights=PGO-9 optical 4× sight or PGN-9 IR and passive night sight
| sights = PGO-9 optical 4× sight or PGN-9 IR and passive night sight
<!-- Artillery specifications -->
<!-- Artillery specifications -->
|breech=[[Interrupted screw]]<ref name="opfor"/>
| breech = [[Interrupted screw]]<ref name="opfor"/>
|recoil= None
| recoil = None
|carriage=[[Tripod]]
| carriage = [[Tripod]]
|elevation=+7°/−3°
| elevation = +7°/−3°
|traverse=30° total
| traverse = 30° total
}}
}}


The '''SPG-9''' Kopyo (''Spear'') ([[Russian language|Russian]]: '''СПГ-9 Копьё''') is a tripod-mounted man-portable, 73 millimetre calibre [[recoilless rifle|recoilless gun]] developed by the [[Soviet Union]]. It fires fin-stabilised, rocket-assisted [[high explosive]] (HE) and [[high-explosive anti-tank]] (HEAT) [[shaped charge]] projectiles similar to those fired by the 73&nbsp;mm [[2A28 Grom]] low pressure gun of the [[BMP-1]] armored vehicle. It was accepted into service in 1962, replacing the [[B-10 recoilless rifle]].
The '''SPG-9 Kopyo''' ({{langx|ru|СПГ-9 Копьё}}, transliterated: ''Stankovyi Protivotankovyi Granatomet "Kopyo"'' - Easel Anti-tank Grenade Launcher "Spear") is a tripod-mounted man-portable, 73 millimetre calibre [[recoilless rifle|recoilless gun]] developed by the [[Soviet Union]]. It fires fin-stabilised, rocket-assisted [[high explosive]] (HE) and [[high-explosive anti-tank]] (HEAT) [[shaped charge]] projectiles similar to those fired by the 73&nbsp;mm [[2A28 Grom]] low pressure gun of the [[BMP-1]] armored vehicle. It was accepted into service in 1962, replacing the [[B-10 recoilless rifle]].


==Description==
==Description==
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The projectile is launched from the gun by a small charge, which gives it an initial velocity of between {{convert|250|–|400|m/s|ft/s}}. The launch charge also imparts spin to the projectile by a series of offset holes. Once the projectile has traveled approximately {{convert|20|m|ft}} from the launcher, a rocket motor in its base ignites. For the PG-9 projectile, this takes it to a velocity of {{convert|700|m/s|ft/s}} before the motor burns out.
The projectile is launched from the gun by a small charge, which gives it an initial velocity of between {{convert|250|–|400|m/s|ft/s}}. The launch charge also imparts spin to the projectile by a series of offset holes. Once the projectile has traveled approximately {{convert|20|m|ft}} from the launcher, a rocket motor in its base ignites. For the PG-9 projectile, this takes it to a velocity of {{convert|700|m/s|ft/s}} before the motor burns out.


The SPG-9 is heavy, ~{{convert|60|kg|lb}}, and normally transported by vehicle, and carried into position by its two crew. It can be deployed in about a minute. The weapon is in service with a large number of armed forces, and a variety of ammunition is produced; however, they are mostly copies of the original [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] PG-9 HEAT and OG-9 [[Fragmentation (weaponry)|fragmentation]] (FRAG) [[high explosive]] (FRAG-HE) rounds.
The SPG-9 is heavy, ~{{convert|60|kg|lb}}, and normally transported by vehicle, and carried into position by its two person crew. It can be deployed in about a minute. The weapon is in service with a large number of armed forces, and a variety of ammunition is produced; however, they are mostly copies of the original [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] PG-9 HEAT and OG-9 [[Fragmentation (weaponry)|fragmentation]] [[high explosive]] (Frag-HE) rounds.


The SPG-9 is widely available to terrorists and maritime pirates such as in the [[Horn of Africa]] region, and in other regions to a lesser degree. It is not as popular as the [[RPG-7]] because it must be mounted on a vehicle or boat and cannot be easily carried and [[Shoulder-fired missile|shoulder fired]]. The SPG-9 requires much more skill to fire accurately than the RPG-7. There have been reports of these mounted in skiffs and larger "mother ships". The SPG-9 can typically be found mounted on a wide variety of vehicles known as "[[Technical (vehicle)|technicals]]" in Somalia.
The SPG-9 is widely available to terrorists and maritime pirates such as in the [[Horn of Africa]] region, and in other regions to a lesser degree. It is not as popular as the [[RPG-7]] because it must be mounted on a vehicle or boat and cannot be easily carried and [[Shoulder-fired missile|shoulder fired]]. The SPG-9 requires much more skill to fire accurately than the RPG-7. There have been reports of these mounted in skiffs and larger "mother ships". The SPG-9 can typically be found mounted on a wide variety of vehicles known as "[[Technical (vehicle)|technicals]]" in Somalia.
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==Combat use==
==Combat use==
The SPG-9 was used by both sides during the [[Transnistria War]], <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://otvaga2004.ru/tanki/istoriya-sozdaniya/t-64-tank-ubijca-mirnogo-naseleniya/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624010516/http://otvaga2004.ru/tanki/istoriya-sozdaniya/t-64-tank-ubijca-mirnogo-naseleniya/|url-status=dead|title=Т-64: «танк-гарант мира» или «убийца мирного населения»?|archive-date=June 24, 2018}}</ref>
The SPG-9 was used by both sides during the [[Transnistria War]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://otvaga2004.ru/tanki/istoriya-sozdaniya/t-64-tank-ubijca-mirnogo-naseleniya/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624010516/http://otvaga2004.ru/tanki/istoriya-sozdaniya/t-64-tank-ubijca-mirnogo-naseleniya/|url-status=dead|title=Т-64: "танк-гарант мира" или "убийца мирного населения"?|archive-date=June 24, 2018}}</ref>

In addition to using the SPG-9 as light [[indirect fire]] artillery, members of [[Wagner PMC]] modified SPG-9 ammunition to be fired from more portable [[RPG-7]] launchers during the [[Battle of Bakhmut]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kharchencko |first1=Aleksandr |title=Artemovsk: Requiem for Bakhmut |url=https://gofile.io/d/4WzSKd |website=Gofile}}</ref>

In mid October 2023 Israeli forces, during the [[2023 Israel-Hamas War]], captured a flyer produced by [[Hamas]] about destroying [[Merkava]] tanks. The flyer recommended the SPG-9 as an effective way of defeating the Israeli [[Trophy (countermeasure)|Trophy System]] designed to intercept incoming RPG or Anti-tank Guided Missiles. The SPG-9 was recommended due "simply by virtue of its projectile’s high speed".<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 October 2023 |title=Hamas Distributed A Handy Guide To Destroying Israeli Tanks|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/10/15/hamas-distributed-a-handy-guide-to-destroying-israeli-tanks/?sh=3ff6ef9434e1|author=David Axe|work=Forbes |access-date=2023-11-12 |language=en-US}}</ref>


==Projectiles==
==Projectiles==
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==Users==
==Users==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->
[[File:SPG-9 Operators Map 20.03.2024.png|thumb|Map with SPG-9 users in blue]]<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->


[[File:Batalionul 191 infanterie 10.jpg|thumb|right|Romanian soldiers with an AG-9 (license built SPG-9) in traveling position.]]
[[File:Batalionul 191 infanterie 10.jpg|thumb|right|Romanian soldiers with an AG-9 (license built SPG-9) in traveling position.]]
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|image1 = Velayat 94 Military exercise 06 by Mbazri.jpg
|image1 = Velayat 94 Military exercise 06 by Mbazri.jpg
|image2 = Velayat 94 Military exercise 01 by Mbazri.jpg
|image2 = Velayat 94 Military exercise 01 by Mbazri.jpg
|footer = Forces belonging to the [[Iranian Navy]] using SPG-9. [[Velayat 94]] military exercise
|footer = [[Islamic Republic of Iran Navy Marine Command|Marines]] of the [[Iranian Navy]] using SPG-9. [[Velayat 94]] military exercise
}}
}}
* {{flag|Afghanistan}}<ref>{{cite book|title=Afghanistan, Arms and Conflict: Armed Groups, Disarmament and Security in a Post-War Society|first1=Michael Vinai|last1=Bhatia|first2=Mark|last2=Sedra|publisher=[[Routledge]]|editor=Small Arms Survey|editor-link=Small Arms Survey|isbn=978-0-415-45308-0|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P4N9AgAAQBAJ|pages=48, 66, 165|date=May 2008|access-date=2018-09-01|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901145604/https://books.google.fr/books?id=P4N9AgAAQBAJ|archive-date=2018-09-01}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite book |last=Hennessey |first=Patrick |date=2009 |title=The Junior Officers' Reading Club |publisher=Penguin Publications |page=272}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Kemp |first1=Richard (Colonel) |last2=Hughes |first2=Chris |date=2010 |title=Attack State RED |publisher=Penguin Books |place=London |pages=325–334}}</ref>
* {{flag|Afghanistan}}<ref>{{cite book|title=Afghanistan, Arms and Conflict: Armed Groups, Disarmament and Security in a Post-War Society|first1=Michael Vinai|last1=Bhatia|first2=Mark|last2=Sedra|publisher=[[Routledge]]|editor=Small Arms Survey|editor-link=Small Arms Survey|isbn=978-0-415-45308-0|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P4N9AgAAQBAJ|pages=48, 66, 165|date=May 2008|access-date=2018-09-01|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901145604/https://books.google.fr/books?id=P4N9AgAAQBAJ|archive-date=2018-09-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Hennessey |first=Patrick |date=2009 |title=The Junior Officers' Reading Club |publisher=Penguin Publications |page=272}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Kemp |first1=Richard (Colonel) |last2=Hughes |first2=Chris |date=2010 |title=Attack State RED |publisher=Penguin Books |place=London |pages=325–334}}</ref>
* {{Flag| People's Republic of Bulgaria }}<br /> / {{BUL}} : manufactured locally as ''Arsenal ATGL''<ref name="SAS SPG-9">{{cite journal|title=SPG-9 (& close derivatives)|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/Weapons_and_Markets/Tools/Weapons_ID_DB/SAS_weapons-recoilless-guns-SPG9.pdf|journal=Weapons Identification Sheet|publisher=Small Arms Survey|access-date=2019-01-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324060442/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/Weapons_and_Markets/Tools/Weapons_ID_DB/SAS_weapons-recoilless-guns-SPG9.pdf|archive-date=2015-03-24|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{BUL}} : manufactured locally as ''Arsenal ATGL''<ref name="SAS SPG-9">{{cite journal|title=SPG-9 (& close derivatives)|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/Weapons_and_Markets/Tools/Weapons_ID_DB/SAS_weapons-recoilless-guns-SPG9.pdf|journal=Weapons Identification Sheet|publisher=Small Arms Survey|access-date=2019-01-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324060442/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/Weapons_and_Markets/Tools/Weapons_ID_DB/SAS_weapons-recoilless-guns-SPG9.pdf|archive-date=2015-03-24|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{CAF}}<ref>{{cite book|title=Letter dated 26 June 2014 from the Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic established pursuant to Security Council resolution 2127 (2013) addressed to the President of the Security Council|url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/N1441518.pdf|page=81|date=1 July 2014|access-date=30 January 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329063501/https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/N1441518.pdf|archive-date=29 March 2017}}</ref>
* {{CAF}}<ref>{{cite book|title=Letter dated 26 June 2014 from the Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic established pursuant to Security Council resolution 2127 (2013) addressed to the President of the Security Council|url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/N1441518.pdf|page=81|date=1 July 2014|access-date=30 January 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329063501/https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/N1441518.pdf|archive-date=29 March 2017}}</ref>
* {{flag|Democratic Republic of the Congo}}<ref name=IISS>{{cite book |last=International Institute for Strategic Studies|date=2021|title=The Military Balance|page=461|isbn=9781032012278}}</ref>
* {{flag|Democratic Republic of the Congo}}<ref name=IISS>{{cite book |last=International Institute for Strategic Studies|date=2021|title=The Military Balance|page=461|publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=9781032012278}}</ref>
* {{flag|Georgia}}<ref name='SAS 2003'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2003.html|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2003/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2003-Chapter-06-EN.pdf|chapter=Dangerous Supply: Small Arms and Conflict in the Republic of Georgia|title=Small Arms Survey 2003: Development Denied|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|year=2003|author=Small Arms Survey|author-link=Small Arms Survey|access-date=2018-09-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829175229/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2003.html|archive-date=2018-08-29|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flag|Georgia}}<ref name='SAS 2003'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2003.html|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2003/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2003-Chapter-06-EN.pdf|chapter=Dangerous Supply: Small Arms and Conflict in the Republic of Georgia|title=Small Arms Survey 2003: Development Denied|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|year=2003|author=Small Arms Survey|author-link=Small Arms Survey|access-date=2018-09-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829175229/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2003.html|archive-date=2018-08-29|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flag|Iran}}: ''AMIG SPG-9''<ref name="SAS SPG-9"/>
* {{flag|Iran}}: ''AMIG SPG-9''<ref name="SAS SPG-9"/>
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* {{flag|Mali}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Enduring engagement yes, episodic engagement no: lessons for SOF from Mali|hdl=10945/38996|last=Powelson|first=Simon J.|publisher=Naval postgraduate school|place=Monterey, California|date=December 2013|page=24|url=http://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a620360.pdf}}</ref>
* {{flag|Mali}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Enduring engagement yes, episodic engagement no: lessons for SOF from Mali|hdl=10945/38996|last=Powelson|first=Simon J.|publisher=Naval postgraduate school|place=Monterey, California|date=December 2013|page=24|url=http://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a620360.pdf}}</ref>
* {{flag|Moldova}}{{sfn|Military Balance 2016|p=188}}
* {{flag|Moldova}}{{sfn|Military Balance 2016|p=188}}
* {{Flag| Socialist Republic of Romania}} / {{flag|Romania}}: ''RomArm AG-9''<ref name="SAS SPG-9"/>
* {{flag|Romania}}: ''RomArm AG-9''<ref name="SAS SPG-9"/>
* {{flag|Russia}}{{sfn|Military Balance 2016|p=190}}
* {{flag|Russia}}{{sfn|Military Balance 2016|p=190}}
* {{flag|Rwanda}}{{sfn|Military Balance 2016|p=190}}
* {{flag|Sudan}}<ref name="SAS Kordofan"/>
* {{flag|Sudan}}<ref name="SAS Kordofan"/>
* {{flag|South Sudan}}{{sfn|Military Balance 2016|p=469}}
* {{flag|South Sudan}}{{sfn|Military Balance 2016|p=469}}
* {{flag|Syria}}
* {{flag|Ukraine}},{{sfn|Military Balance 2016|p=206}} also used by [[Separatist forces of the war in Donbass|separatist forces]]{{sfn|Military Balance 2016|p=491}}
* {{flag|Ukraine}},{{sfn|Military Balance 2016|p=206}} also used by [[Separatist forces of the war in Donbass|separatist forces]]{{sfn|Military Balance 2016|p=491}}
* {{flag|Vietnam}}<ref name="NVA">{{cite book|title=North Vietnamese Army Soldier 1958–75|series=Warrior 135|first=Gordon L. |last=Rottman|date=10 Feb 2009|publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]]|isbn=978-1-84603-371-1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iC21CwAAQBAJ|page=32}}</ref>SPG-9T2
* {{flag|Vietnam}}<ref name="NVA">{{cite book|title=North Vietnamese Army Soldier 1958–75|series=Warrior 135|first=Gordon L. |last=Rottman|date=10 Feb 2009|publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]]|isbn=978-1-84603-371-1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iC21CwAAQBAJ|page=32}}</ref> SPG-9T2
* {{Flag|Turkmenistan}}
* {{Flag|Turkmenistan}}


===Non-state actors===
===Non-state actors===
* {{flag|Artsakh}}{{sfn|Military Balance 2016|p=181}}
* {{flagdeco|Kurdistan}} [[Iraqi Kurdistan]]{{sfn|Military Balance 2016|p=491}}
* {{flagdeco|Kurdistan}} [[Iraqi Kurdistan]]{{sfn|Military Balance 2016|p=491}}
* {{Flagdeco|Islamic State}} [[Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State]]{{sfn|Military Balance 2016|p=492}}
* {{Flagdeco|Islamic State}} [[Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State]]{{sfn|Military Balance 2016|p=492}}
* {{flagicon image|Flag of Lord's Resistance Army.svg}} [[Lord's Resistance Army]]<ref name='SAS 2006 11'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2006.html|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2006/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2006-Chapter-11-EN.pdf|chapter=Fuelling Fear: The Lord's Resistance Army and Small Arms|title=Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|year=2006|author=Small Arms Survey|author-link=Small Arms Survey|page=283|isbn=978-0-19-929848-8|access-date=2018-08-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830005010/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2006.html|archive-date=2018-08-30|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|Alleged Flag of Lord's Resistance Army.svg}} [[Lord's Resistance Army]]<ref name='SAS 2006 11'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2006.html|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2006/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2006-Chapter-11-EN.pdf|chapter=Fuelling Fear: The Lord's Resistance Army and Small Arms|title=Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|year=2006|author=Small Arms Survey|author-link=Small Arms Survey|page=283|isbn=978-0-19-929848-8|access-date=2018-08-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830005010/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2006.html|archive-date=2018-08-30|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|Flag of Kurdistan Workers' Party.svg}} [[Kurdistan Workers' Party]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GK6e_rw85So |title=YouTube |website=[[YouTube]] |access-date=2016-11-28 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529133814/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GK6e_rw85So |archive-date=2016-05-29}}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|Flag of Kurdistan Workers' Party.svg}} [[Kurdistan Workers' Party]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GK6e_rw85So |title=YouTube |website=[[YouTube]] |access-date=2016-11-28 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529133814/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GK6e_rw85So |archive-date=2016-05-29}}</ref>
* {{flagdeco|South Sudan}} [[Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition]]{{sfn|Military Balance 2016|p=492}}
* {{flagdeco|South Sudan}} [[Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition]]{{sfn|Military Balance 2016|p=492}}
* {{flagicon image|Flag of SPLM-N.svg}} [[Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North]]<ref name="SAS Kordofan">{{cite journal|url=http://www.smallarmssurveysudan.org/fileadmin/docs/facts-figures/arms-ammunition-tracing-desk/HSBA-Tracing-Desk-SPLA-N-SK-Feb-2013.pdf|journal=HSBA Arms and Ammunition Tracing Desk|title=SPLA-N weapons and equipment, South Kordofan, December 2012|publisher=Small Arms Survey|date=February 2013|page=9|access-date=2019-01-02|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322044524/http://www.smallarmssurveysudan.org/fileadmin/docs/facts-figures/arms-ammunition-tracing-desk/HSBA-Tracing-Desk-SPLA-N-SK-Feb-2013.pdf|archive-date=2016-03-22}}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|Flag of SPLM-N.svg}} [[Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North]]<ref name="SAS Kordofan">{{cite journal|url=http://www.smallarmssurveysudan.org/fileadmin/docs/facts-figures/arms-ammunition-tracing-desk/HSBA-Tracing-Desk-SPLA-N-SK-Feb-2013.pdf|journal=HSBA Arms and Ammunition Tracing Desk|title=SPLA-N weapons and equipment, South Kordofan, December 2012|publisher=Small Arms Survey|date=February 2013|page=9|access-date=2019-01-02|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322044524/http://www.smallarmssurveysudan.org/fileadmin/docs/facts-figures/arms-ammunition-tracing-desk/HSBA-Tracing-Desk-SPLA-N-SK-Feb-2013.pdf|archive-date=2016-03-22}}</ref>
* {{flagdeco|Syrian Opposition}} [[Free Syrian Army]]<ref>{{cite news|title=I Learned to Fight Like an American at the FSA Training Camp in Jordan: America's Role in the Syrian Revolution|first=Sara Elizabeth|last=Williams|date=3 April 2014|url=https://www.vice.com/en_au/article/wd4xe4/syria-deraa-USA-Jordan-FSA-regime-CIA|newspaper=[[Vice News]]|access-date=25 October 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026064547/https://www.vice.com/en_au/article/wd4xe4/syria-deraa-USA-Jordan-FSA-regime-CIA|archive-date=26 October 2018}}</ref>
* {{flagdeco|Syrian Opposition}} [[Free Syrian Army]]<ref>{{cite news|title=I Learned to Fight Like an American at the FSA Training Camp in Jordan: America's Role in the Syrian Revolution|first=Sara Elizabeth|last=Williams|date=3 April 2014|url=https://www.vice.com/en_au/article/wd4xe4/syria-deraa-USA-Jordan-FSA-regime-CIA|newspaper=[[Vice News]]|access-date=25 October 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026064547/https://www.vice.com/en_au/article/wd4xe4/syria-deraa-USA-Jordan-FSA-regime-CIA|archive-date=26 October 2018}}</ref>
*{{Flag|Transnistria}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mitzer |first1=Stijn |last2=Oliemans |first2=Joost |title=The Struggle For Relevance: Transnistria's Fighting Vehicles |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/11/the-struggle-for-relevance.html |website=Oryx}}</ref>
*{{Flag|Transnistria}}
*{{flagicon image|Flag of Hamas.svg}} [[Hamas]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 October 2023 |title=Hamas Distributed A Handy Guide To Destroying Israeli Tanks|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/10/15/hamas-distributed-a-handy-guide-to-destroying-israeli-tanks/?sh=3ff6ef9434e1|author=David Axe|work=Forbes |access-date=2023-11-12 |language= en-US}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==

Latest revision as of 03:51, 3 November 2024

SPG-9
A Russian SPG-9M
TypeRecoilless gun
Anti-tank gun
Place of origin Soviet Union
Service history
In service1962–present
WarsVietnam War
Iran–Iraq War
Salvadoran Civil War
Lord's Resistance Army insurgency
Gulf War
Lebanese Civil War
Iraq War
Second Sudanese Civil War[1]
Third Sudanese Civil War
Libyan Civil Wars[2]
Northern Mali conflict
Syrian Civil War[3]
War in Iraq (2013-2017)
War in Donbas
Yemeni Civil War (2014–present)[4][5]
Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen
2022 Kyrgyzstan–Tajikistan clashes
Russo-Ukraine War
Israel-Hamas War
Specifications
Mass47.5 kg (105 lb)
59.5 kg (131 lb)
with tripod[6]
Length2.11 m (6 ft 11 in)[6]
Width99 cm (3 ft 3 in)
allowing full traverse[6]
Height80 cm (2 ft 7 in)[6]
Crew2 (1 gunner, 1 loader)

Caliber73 mm (2.9 in) smoothbore[6]
BreechInterrupted screw[6]
RecoilNone
CarriageTripod
Elevation+7°/−3°
Traverse30° total
Rate of fire5–6 rounds per minute[6]
Muzzle velocity250–435 m/s (820–1,430 ft/s)
Effective firing range800 m (870 yd)
Maximum firing range1,200–6,500 m (1,300–7,100 yd)
Feed systemManually breech-loaded
SightsPGO-9 optical 4× sight or PGN-9 IR and passive night sight

The SPG-9 Kopyo (Russian: СПГ-9 Копьё, transliterated: Stankovyi Protivotankovyi Granatomet "Kopyo" - Easel Anti-tank Grenade Launcher "Spear") is a tripod-mounted man-portable, 73 millimetre calibre recoilless gun developed by the Soviet Union. It fires fin-stabilised, rocket-assisted high explosive (HE) and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) shaped charge projectiles similar to those fired by the 73 mm 2A28 Grom low pressure gun of the BMP-1 armored vehicle. It was accepted into service in 1962, replacing the B-10 recoilless rifle.

Description

[edit]

The projectile is launched from the gun by a small charge, which gives it an initial velocity of between 250–400 metres per second (820–1,310 ft/s). The launch charge also imparts spin to the projectile by a series of offset holes. Once the projectile has traveled approximately 20 metres (66 ft) from the launcher, a rocket motor in its base ignites. For the PG-9 projectile, this takes it to a velocity of 700 metres per second (2,300 ft/s) before the motor burns out.

The SPG-9 is heavy, ~60 kilograms (130 lb), and normally transported by vehicle, and carried into position by its two person crew. It can be deployed in about a minute. The weapon is in service with a large number of armed forces, and a variety of ammunition is produced; however, they are mostly copies of the original Soviet PG-9 HEAT and OG-9 fragmentation high explosive (Frag-HE) rounds.

The SPG-9 is widely available to terrorists and maritime pirates such as in the Horn of Africa region, and in other regions to a lesser degree. It is not as popular as the RPG-7 because it must be mounted on a vehicle or boat and cannot be easily carried and shoulder fired. The SPG-9 requires much more skill to fire accurately than the RPG-7. There have been reports of these mounted in skiffs and larger "mother ships". The SPG-9 can typically be found mounted on a wide variety of vehicles known as "technicals" in Somalia.

A variant for use with airborne troops including detachable wheels was built as the SPG-9D.

Combat use

[edit]

The SPG-9 was used by both sides during the Transnistria War.[7]

In addition to using the SPG-9 as light indirect fire artillery, members of Wagner PMC modified SPG-9 ammunition to be fired from more portable RPG-7 launchers during the Battle of Bakhmut.[8]

In mid October 2023 Israeli forces, during the 2023 Israel-Hamas War, captured a flyer produced by Hamas about destroying Merkava tanks. The flyer recommended the SPG-9 as an effective way of defeating the Israeli Trophy System designed to intercept incoming RPG or Anti-tank Guided Missiles. The SPG-9 was recommended due "simply by virtue of its projectile’s high speed".[9]

Projectiles

[edit]
Round
(projectile)
Type Weight
(kg)
Fuze Length
(mm)
Explosive
content
(kg)
Muzzle
velocity
(m/s)
Effective
range
(m)
Maximum
range
(m)
Armour
penetration
(mm)
Notes
PG-9
(PG-9V)
HEAT-FS 4.39 VP-9 920 0.322
(hexogen)
435 800 1,300 300
PG-9N HEAT-FS VP-9 920 0.340
(OKFOL-3.5)[10]
435 800 1,300 400
PG-9VS HEAT-FS 4.4 ? 920 ? 1,300 ? 400 -
PG-9VNT
(PG-9NT)
HEAT-FS 3.2 ? 920 ? 400 700 1,200 600 or
450 behind ERA
Tandem-charge
OG-9V
(OG-9)
FRAG-HE 5.35 GO-2 or
O-4M
1062 0.735
(TNT)
316 n/a Cast iron casing
OG-9VM
(OG-9M)
FRAG-HE 5.35 GO-2 or
O-4M
1062 0.655
(TD-50)[11]
316 n/a
OG-9VM1
(OG-9V)
FRAG-HE 5.35 GO-2 or
O-4M
1062 ? 316 4,500 n/a
OG-9BG[12]
(OG-9G)
FRAG-HE 6.9 O-4M 1030 0.750 316 7,500 n/a Bulgarian made
OG-9BG1
(OG-9G1)
FRAG-HE 5.48 O-4M 1024 0.750 250 4,200 n/a Bulgarian made

Users

[edit]
Map with SPG-9 users in blue
Romanian soldiers with an AG-9 (license built SPG-9) in traveling position.
A Mongolian Mobile Training Team member reviews the SPG-9 recoilless gun with Afghan National Army soldiers prior to a live-fire weapons demonstration, September 2, 2012, at the Camp Scenic weapons range near the Darulaman Infantry School in Kabul, Afghanistan. The MTT specialize in SPG-9 recoilless rifle systems and train ANA soldiers at the infantry school.
Marines of the Iranian Navy using SPG-9. Velayat 94 military exercise

Non-state actors

[edit]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ "Sudan – Global trade, local impact: Arms Transfers to all Sides in the Civil War in Sudan" (PDF). Human Rights Watch Report. 10 (4): 24. August 1998.
  2. ^ a b Neville, Leigh (19 Apr 2018). Technicals: Non-Standard Tactical Vehicles from the Great Toyota War to modern Special Forces. New Vanguard 257. Osprey Publishing. pp. 12, 35. ISBN 978-1-4728-2251-2. Archived from the original on 26 October 2018. Retrieved 25 October 2018.
  3. ^ Neville 2018, p. 37.
  4. ^ "UN accuses Saudi, UAE of funding armed groups in Yemen". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2017-08-23. Retrieved 2017-08-24.
  5. ^ "Taiz: Houthi fighters battle militia in Yemen city". YouTube. 25 August 2016.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g OPFOR Worldwide Equipment Guide, TRADOC DCSINT Threat Support Directorate, January 21, 1999
  7. ^ "Т-64: "танк-гарант мира" или "убийца мирного населения"?". Archived from the original on June 24, 2018.
  8. ^ Kharchencko, Aleksandr. "Artemovsk: Requiem for Bakhmut". Gofile.
  9. ^ David Axe (15 October 2023). "Hamas Distributed A Handy Guide To Destroying Israeli Tanks". Forbes. Retrieved 2023-11-12.
  10. ^ 95% HME 5% wax
  11. ^ TNT/dinitronaphthalene
  12. ^ "Rounds Og-9Vg with He-Fragmentation Grenade Og-9G & Og-9G1". Archived from the original on 2016-08-13. Retrieved 2017-07-21.
  13. ^ Bhatia, Michael Vinai; Sedra, Mark (May 2008). Small Arms Survey (ed.). Afghanistan, Arms and Conflict: Armed Groups, Disarmament and Security in a Post-War Society. Routledge. pp. 48, 66, 165. ISBN 978-0-415-45308-0. Archived from the original on 2018-09-01. Retrieved 2018-09-01.
  14. ^ Hennessey, Patrick (2009). The Junior Officers' Reading Club. Penguin Publications. p. 272.
  15. ^ Kemp, Richard (Colonel); Hughes, Chris (2010). Attack State RED. London: Penguin Books. pp. 325–334.
  16. ^ a b c "SPG-9 (& close derivatives)" (PDF). Weapons Identification Sheet. Small Arms Survey. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-03-24. Retrieved 2019-01-02.
  17. ^ Letter dated 26 June 2014 from the Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic established pursuant to Security Council resolution 2127 (2013) addressed to the President of the Security Council (PDF). 1 July 2014. p. 81. Archived (PDF) from the original on 29 March 2017. Retrieved 30 January 2019.
  18. ^ International Institute for Strategic Studies (2021). The Military Balance. Taylor & Francis. p. 461. ISBN 9781032012278.
  19. ^ Small Arms Survey (2003). "Dangerous Supply: Small Arms and Conflict in the Republic of Georgia". Small Arms Survey 2003: Development Denied. Oxford University Press. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-08-29. Retrieved 2018-09-15.
  20. ^ Rottman, Gordon L. (1993). Armies of the Gulf War. Elite 45. Osprey Publishing. p. 49. ISBN 978-1-85532-277-6.
  21. ^ Military Balance 2016, p. 187.
  22. ^ Powelson, Simon J. (December 2013). "Enduring engagement yes, episodic engagement no: lessons for SOF from Mali" (PDF). Monterey, California: Naval postgraduate school. p. 24. hdl:10945/38996.
  23. ^ Military Balance 2016, p. 188.
  24. ^ a b Military Balance 2016, p. 190.
  25. ^ a b "SPLA-N weapons and equipment, South Kordofan, December 2012" (PDF). HSBA Arms and Ammunition Tracing Desk. Small Arms Survey: 9. February 2013. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2016-03-22. Retrieved 2019-01-02.
  26. ^ Military Balance 2016, p. 469.
  27. ^ Military Balance 2016, p. 206.
  28. ^ a b Military Balance 2016, p. 491.
  29. ^ Rottman, Gordon L. (10 Feb 2009). North Vietnamese Army Soldier 1958–75. Warrior 135. Osprey Publishing. p. 32. ISBN 978-1-84603-371-1.
  30. ^ a b Military Balance 2016, p. 492.
  31. ^ Small Arms Survey (2006). "Fuelling Fear: The Lord's Resistance Army and Small Arms". Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business. Oxford University Press. p. 283. ISBN 978-0-19-929848-8. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-08-30. Retrieved 2018-08-29.
  32. ^ "YouTube". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2016-05-29. Retrieved 2016-11-28.
  33. ^ Williams, Sara Elizabeth (3 April 2014). "I Learned to Fight Like an American at the FSA Training Camp in Jordan: America's Role in the Syrian Revolution". Vice News. Archived from the original on 26 October 2018. Retrieved 25 October 2018.
  34. ^ Mitzer, Stijn; Oliemans, Joost. "The Struggle For Relevance: Transnistria's Fighting Vehicles". Oryx.
  35. ^ David Axe (15 October 2023). "Hamas Distributed A Handy Guide To Destroying Israeli Tanks". Forbes. Retrieved 2023-11-12.
[edit]
  • Media related to SPG-9 at Wikimedia Commons