The Bangladesh Army standardised the ST Engineering-made 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher Mk 2 (40AGL Mk 2) in its inventory, making it one of the largest users of the weapon system, Defseca reports. The 40AGL Mk 2 is currently deployed across all infantry divisions of the Bangladesh Army to greatly enhance organic firepower.
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ST Kinetics 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The STK 40 AGL, formerly the CIS 40 AGL[a], is a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher, developed in the late 1980s and produced by the Singaporean defence firm − Chartered Industries of Singapore (CIS, now ST Kinetics). The launcher is employed primarily by the Singapore Armed Forces and the police and security forces of several other countries. On June 19, 2000, STK announced the release of an upgrade kit, known as the 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher Air-Bursting System (40mm AGL-ABS). Upgrades consist of the electronic fire control system, the gun computer, the muzzle programming coil as well as the optical sighting system. On December 13, 2010, the Kuwait Defense Ministry released a statement that the CIS 40 AGL was offered for the Kuwaiti army.
The 40 mm x 53 mm calibre AGL has a weight of 30 kg and an effective range of 1,500 m. Its muzzle velocity is 242 m/s and a rate of fire of 350 to 500 rpm. It is a belt-fed system with safe, semi and automatic mores of fire. The operation is achieved through advanced primer ignition blowback. Accessories include a cleaning kit, detachable chute and ammunition box holder. The Bangladesh Army elected to include optional accessories also such as a lock & fire mount, M3 tripod and Reflex sight also.
The upgraded version currently in use with the Bangladesh Army features a weight reduction of almost 6 kg, a barrel removal system, improved handling, performance, aesthetics and ergonomics. The components include a barrel, a bolt & backplate assembly, receiver/feed cover group, top cover group and trigger mechanism/rear sight group.
