Army begins testing domestically produced automatic grenade launcher

Reports suggest weapon system has a range of 2,200m, weighs 41kg and can be equipped with night vision sights

The Pakistan Army has started conducting trials on a domestically produced automatic grenade launcher (AGL), according to reports on social media.

Pictures posted on Twitter show Army personnel reportedly testing an indigenous PAK-40 Automatic Grenade Launcher. The weapon platform is reportedly capable of operating in temperatures ranging from 55C to -24C.

Reports suggest the launcher has a range of 2,200 meters and weighs around 41 kilograms. The launcher can also be equipped with night vision or thermal sights.



The launcher fires 40mm grenades with a lethal radius of 10 metres and is capable of firing multiple types of grenades.

An Automatic grenade launcher is much like a machine gun, as it fires rounds in quick succession from an ammunition belt or a magazine. It is also mounted on vehicles or helicopters and requires a small team to operate it.

PHOTO: Ahmad Ibrahim Twitter

Earlier, it was reported that the Malaysian government is in preliminary talks with Pakistan for the export of JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft, according to Janes.

The disclosure was made by an official from Pakistan Aeronautical Complex on the sidelines of the Defense Services Asia 2018 exhibition in Kuala Lumpur. According to the British publication, the governments of the two countries were engaged in “primary level talks” about the sale of the fighter jets.

The aircraft is expected to cater to the combat requirements of the Royal Malaysian Air Force.