SPG-9

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	Weapon: SPG-9 Type: Recoilless Rifle Country of Origin: USSR Year Adopted: 1962 Caliber: 73mm Action: Recoilless Gun Overall Length (mm): 2110.0 Overall Length (in): 83.07 Weight (kg): 47.50 Weight (pounds): 104.72 Effective Range (m): 1300 m Effective Range (yards): 1421.7

The SPG-9 is a Soviet-designed 73mm recoilless gun developed in the early 1960s as a portable and cost-effective anti-tank and infantry support weapon. Designed to replace the older B-10 recoilless rifle, the SPG-9 features a smoothbore barrel and utilizes fin-stabilized, rocket-assisted projectiles to improve range and accuracy. The weapon is typically mounted on a lightweight tripod and can be easily transported by infantry units or mounted on vehicles for increased mobility. Its ability to fire high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) and high-explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG) rounds makes it effective against armored vehicles, fortifications, and enemy personnel.

The SPG-9 was mass-produced in large numbers by the Soviet Union and its allied nations, with thousands entering service across Warsaw Pact countries and other Soviet-aligned states. The weapon saw extensive use during the Cold War and was widely exported to numerous armed forces across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Its relatively low cost, ease of use, and minimal maintenance requirements contributed to its widespread adoption. Despite being replaced by more modern guided anti-tank missile systems in many professional militaries, the SPG-9 remains in service with numerous irregular forces and paramilitary groups due to its availability and effectiveness in asymmetric warfare.

The notoriety of the SPG-9 comes from its continued use in various conflicts, including the Soviet-Afghan War, the Iran-Iraq War, and more recent engagements in Syria and Ukraine. Its ability to provide direct fire support and penetrate armored targets at relatively long distances makes it a valuable asset for guerrilla and insurgent groups. While no longer the primary anti-armor weapon of major military powers, the SPG-9's durability and effectiveness ensure that it remains a potent battlefield tool in many regions. Its legacy as one of the most widely used recoilless guns in history cements its place in military history.