Replacing AT Rifles: The Soviet Evolution of Anti-Tank Weapons in World War II

During World War II, the Soviet Union, like many other nations, relied heavily on anti-tank (AT) weapons to counter the formidable armor of the Axis powers. One of the most well-known and effective weapons of this era was the AT rifle, but as the war progressed, the Soviet Union began to develop next-generation alternatives. This article explores the transition, focusing on the RPG-1, RPG-2, RPG-4, and RPG-7, and their impact on Soviet and allied military operations.

The Need for Replacements

By the mid-1940s, it became evident that the existing anti-tank rifles, such as the German Panzerfaust and the American bazooka, were no longer sufficient against the latest tanks of the Axis forces. The limitations of these weapons prompted the Soviet Union to embark on the development of more advanced and powerful anti-tank solutions.

The RPG-1: A Prelude to Innovation

One of the earliest attempts to develop a new infantry anti-tank weapon was the RPG-1, which was essentially a reloadable version of the German Panzerfaust, featuring a pistol grip. Although this weapon showed promise, by the time it was finalized, its 150 mm armor penetration was found to be insufficient against the advanced German tanks of the later war period. Consequently, the RPG-1 remained merely a working prototype and development shifted to an improved design in 1947.

Advancements with RPG-2

The RPG-2 evolved from the RPG-1 with a larger tube and warhead, significantly enhancing its capabilities. With a penetration of 180 mm of Rolled Homogeneous Armor (RHA), the RPG-2 was capable of defeating almost all tanks in service at the time. This weapon was officially adopted into Soviet service in 1954 and was subsequently exported and licensed to other Communist countries. An improved version, the RPG-2N, introduced in 1957, featured infrared night vision which enhanced its versatility and effectiveness.

The Vietnam War: An Eye-Opener

The RPG-2 gained notoriety during the Vietnam War, where North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong units made extensive use of it. This was a significant expansion of the weapon's battlefield presence beyond its original capacity as an infantry anti-tank weapon. The success of the RPG-2 in the Vietnam theater highlighted the need for an even more capable anti-tank solution.

The RPG-7: The Iconic Successor

Recognizing the limitations of the RPG-2, design work began on creating a future replacement as early as 1958, when Western heavy tanks like the FV214 Conqueror and M103 entered service. The development culminated in the RPG-7, a highly reliable and effective weapon that revolutionized anti-tank capabilities. The RPG-7 was complete and adopted in 1961, but it wasn't until the Six Day War in 1967 that it truly demonstrated its combat prowess.

In this conflict, the RPG-7 was used by Egyptian infantry, with the weapon proving to be so effective that the Egyptians decided to equip every third infantryman with one. This deployment marked a significant milestone in the weapon's history, as it also first appeared in Vietnam in 1968. By the early 1970s, the RPG-7 had become a legend, with rebels and insurgents around the world using it as their favorite anti-tank weapon.

Legacy and Modern-Day Usage

Despite the introduction of the RPG-7, Soviet stocks of older anti-tank rifles, such as the PTRD-41, were retained. These weapons were used concurrently with RPGs by Soviet allies well into the Cold War era, often converted to generic anti-materiel rifles. This continued use underscores the enduring legacy of these older designs and the challenges of transitioning to new technologies.