AGA-40 Model 85

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	Weapon: AGA-40 Model 85 Type: Grenade Launcher Country of Origin: Romania Year Adopted: 1985 Overall Length (mm): 1100.0 Overall Length (in): 43.31 Weight (kg): 30.00 Weight (pounds): 66.14

The AGA-40 Model 85 is a 40mm automatic grenade launcher developed in the 1980s as part of an effort to provide infantry units with enhanced firepower for suppressing enemy positions and engaging light armored targets. Designed for versatility, the AGA-40 features a belt-fed mechanism and a quick-change barrel system, allowing for sustained fire in combat scenarios. The weapon is typically mounted on tripods, vehicles, or naval platforms, providing a flexible fire-support solution for various military forces. Its rugged construction ensures durability under harsh battlefield conditions, and it is compatible with a range of 40mm grenades, including high-explosive, fragmentation, and smoke rounds.

The production figures for the AGA-40 Model 85 remain relatively obscure, with estimates suggesting limited manufacturing primarily for domestic military forces and select international buyers. Unlike the widely adopted Mk 19 grenade launcher used by NATO forces, the AGA-40 did not achieve large-scale distribution but found use in specialized military and paramilitary units. The launcher gained a reputation for its reliability and ease of use, making it a valuable asset for rapid area suppression and perimeter defense roles. Some units were reportedly exported to allied nations or used in conflict zones where military aid agreements facilitated their acquisition.

While not as globally recognized as some of its Western counterparts, the AGA-40 Model 85 remains a respected design within the category of automatic grenade launchers. Its notoriety stems from its effectiveness in asymmetric warfare, where rapid-fire grenade launchers provide a tactical advantage against fortified positions. Despite newer developments in grenade launcher technology, the AGA-40 continues to see service in some military forces, either in frontline roles or as part of stockpiled arsenals. Its legacy as a robust and effective support weapon ensures its place in the history of modern infantry warfare.