Explained: What is the Rocket-Propelled Grenade, used in attack on Punjab Police Intelligence HQ in Mohali?

What is the News?

The Rocket-Propelled Grenade(RPG) attack on the Punjab Police’s Intelligence headquarters in Mohali has brought the weapon into focus.

What is a Rocket Propelled Grenade(RPG)?

Rocket-Propelled Grenade(RPG) is a weapon of Soviet origin and its initials stand for Rucknoy Peotivotankovvy Granaromyot which roughly translated means a handheld anti-tank grenade launcher.

It is a portable, shoulder-fired weapon which is easy to operate and can cause widespread damage whether used in an anti-personnel mode, against armoured vehicles or against buildings.

What are the origins of the RPG?

The origins of RPG lie in the various conflicts that have taken place in modern military warfare, dating back to World War I.

There have been many handheld weapons developed by western military powers but the most prolific of these has been the RPG. This is because the RPG has made its presence felt in almost every major insurgency or terrorism-affected region in the world.

Source:  The post is based on the article “Explained: What is the Rocket-Propelled Grenade, used in attack on Punjab Police Intelligence HQ in Mohali?” published in Indian Express on 10th May 2022