Saudi Arabia, where the new grenade launcher will be released, is unlikely to buy it—but other visiting nations might.
Famed Russian arms exporter Rosoboronexport announced this week that it will unveil a modernized version of the late Cold War man-portable RPG-29 grenade launcher at this month’s World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The RPG-29M will be one of several small arms presented by the Russian delegation at the international military hardware trade event.
“The RPG-29M grenade launcher, a highly upgraded version of the RPG-29 grenade launcher, which has proven itself in combat operations, will be showcased for the first time at World Defense Show 2026,” announced the press office of Rosoboronexport, a subsidiary of Rostec. The state-owned military industrial conglomerate produces most of the Russian military’s small arms, and is also a dominant player on the international export market.
According to a report from Russian state news agency TASS, the new models are at least one-third lighter than the existing grenade launchers, and have been outfitted with a new “24/7 thermal imaging sight with a fire control system,” while also being able to fire a “expanded” range of ordnance.
The Original “Vampir” Launcher Came Too Late for the Cold War
The RPG-29 “Vampir” was first introduced into service with the Soviet Army in 1989, becoming the last RPG adopted by the Kremlin before the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Although the launcher retained the designation “Ruchnoy Protivotankovy Granatomyot”—which translates to “hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher,” rather than “rocket-propelled grenade” as commonly assumed in the West—it was not a direct evolution of either the RPG-2 or RPG-7, which were developed in the early stages of the Cold War. Instead, the RPG-29 was designed to address the RPG-7’s shortcomings. Whereas the RPG-2 and RPG-7 were essentially short-range muzzle-loaded recoilless weapons, the RPG-29 was developed as a heavier rocket launcher, built around a reusable launch tube. To address its increased size, the RPG-29 could be stowed/transported in two pieces. A trained two-man crew could assemble the launcher and make it ready to fire in just over half a minute.
The RPG-29 featured a mechanical sight, a pistol grip, and a foldable bipod. Instead of loading rounds in the muzzle, it was loaded by the assistant operator from the rear.
“Upon launch the rocket burns within the tube. The launch is reportedly quite violent,” explained WeaponSystems.net.
Two types of ordnance were initially employed with the RPG-29, including the PG-29V, an anti-tank rocket with a tandem HEAT (high explosive anti-tank) warhead, capable of defeating explosive reactive armor (ERA); and the TBG-29V, a thermobaric round that could be used against personnel and “softskin” targets in the open or within buildings and other structures. That was expanded with the introduction of the OG-29 HE/FRAG round, which was utilized in an anti-personnel role.
The RPG-29 Saw Service Throughout the Third World
Although it was among the weapons developed based on lessons learned in the Soviet war in Afghanistan, it never saw use with the Soviet Army. Instead, it was widely exported following the breakup of the Soviet Union, with thousands ending up in the arsenals of government forces in the Middle East, and subsequently in the hands of insurgent forces in the same region.
The first use of the RPG-29 can’t be confirmed, but it was believed to have been used by Iraqi forces during 2003’s Operation Iraqi Freedom. One of the launchers may have lightly damaged a British Challenger 2 main battle tank (MBT), injuring the crew.
The weapon continues to be used in conflicts in the Middle East. An undisclosed number have also reportedly been smuggled to Mexico and used by the drug cartels.
Iran made a domestic copy of the weapon, naming it the “Ghadir.” However, it has been widely supplemented within the Russian military by the newer RPG-30 and RPG-32 platforms.
Other Russian Small Arms on Display in Riyadh
In addition to the modernized RPG-29M, Rosoboronexport will showcase new versions of the Kalashnikov AK-15 and AK-19 assault rifles, along with compact variants including the AK-15K, AK-15SK, and AK-19K. It will also present the Lebedev RPL-20 light machine gun and the GP-46 underbarrel grenade launcher.
Although the nations of the Gulf traditionally buy their weapons from the United States, Russia has attempted to make inroads in the region. It has also maintained a conspicuous presence at arms expos throughout the region, which are widely attended by developing nations and represent a major market opportunity for the Kremlin.
About the Author: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu has contributed over 3,200 published pieces to more than four dozen magazines and websites over a 30-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a contributing writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].
Image: Shutterstock / Dmytro Stoliarenko.
