Did the Soviets Have Their Own Handheld Anti-Tank Rocket Launchers in WWII?

During World War II, the Soviet Union relied on various weapons for anti-tank duties. Did they ever develop their own handheld anti-tank rocket launchers? Let's explore this fascinating topic and delve into the arsenal used by Soviet forces during the conflict.

The Soviet Arsenal: Anti-Tank Rifles

The Soviets primarily relied on anti-tank rifles for their early anti-tank efforts. Notably, the PTRS and PTRD rifles played a significant role in WW2. These rifles were chambered in the powerful 14.5x114mm cartridge and were equipped with a 14.5mm round that could effectively target German tanks.

Power and Vulnerabilities

Up to 1943, these anti-tank rifles were relatively effective. German tanks such as the Panzer I, II, III, and IV were particularly vulnerable to the 14.5mm rounds, as Soviet soldiers exploited this weakness constantly. The powerful 14.5mm round, combined with the cheap production cost and simple quality of the rifles, allowed for easy mass production, making them a common sight on the battlefield.

Continued Use and Adaptation

Even until the end of the war in 1945, PTRD and PTRS rifles were issued ubiquitously. Although these rifles were primarily used to target lightly armored vehicles, they could also be used to target infantry if the soldier was accurate enough. It is important to note that while these rifles were effective against unarmored targets, they had limitations when facing heavier armors.

Captured Axis Weapons

Alongside their own weapons, the Soviets also turned to captured Axis weapons. Over the course of the war, they acquired a significant number of surplus Faustpatrone Panzerfaust and Panzerschreck launchers. These weapons were well-suited for Soviet doctrine during the war, given their cost-effectiveness and ability to disable even the heaviest armored vehicles.

Bulgak Pattern 26 (BP-26)

One notable Soviet anti-tank weapon was the Bulgak Pattern 26 (BP-26). This weapon was developed earlier in the war but saw limited use. It was more effective against lighter vehicles and infantry than against heavier armored vehicles.

Lend-Lease: American Support

In addition to their own weapons, the Soviets also received assistance from their allies, particularly the United States. As part of the lend-lease program, the US provided a small number of M1 Bazookas to elite Soviet units such as Guards or Osnaz units. These M1 Bazookas had a significantly greater range and more powerful rockets, making them highly effective against a wide range of armored targets.

Integration and Impact

The M1 Bazooka was shipped to the Soviet Union in Army experience kits, which included a variety of anti-tank weapons. The M1 Bazooka’s improved performance and longer range made it a game-changer on the battlefield. However, like Soviet anti-tank rifles, the limited supply meant that the weapon was not as widely distributed as the Soviet-designed anti-tank rifles.

Conclusion

In summary, while the Soviets did not have their own handheld anti-tank rocket launchers, they developed and relied on anti-tank rifles like the PTRS and PTRD. They also made use of captured Axis weapons and received American M1 Bazookas through lend-lease. Each of these weapons played a crucial role in the Soviet fight against the formidable German armored vehicles during WW2. Although they were effective against unarmored targets and lighter vehicles, they had limitations when faced with heavier tanks.

The evolution of Soviet anti-tank weapons reflected the changing nature of modern warfare and the adaptive strategies employed by the Red Army to overcome the challenges presented by the Nazi war machine. Understanding this history provides valuable insights into the technologies and tactics that shaped one of the most significant conflicts in human history.