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 In the continuing conflict in Iraq,
shoulder fired rocket propelled grenades anti-tank (RPG) were once again proven a
potent weapon. RPGs performed impressively in all post WWII
conflicts, especially in Vietnam, Afghanistan and Chechnya. In the
1982 war in Lebanon, Israeli soldiers were confronted on by many
RPGs. Palestinian militants are also using in the occupied
territories, but Israeli heavy fighting vehicles are well
protected to sustain such attacks while effective tactics are used
to avoid exposure of softer vehicles to such threats. Inexperienced RPG operators could engage a stationary target
effectively from 150 – 300 meters, while experienced users
 could
kill a target at up to 500 meters, and moving targets at 300
meters. Casualties and losses suffered during the Yom Kippur War,
from RPGs and anti-tank missiles, caused the IDF to deploy add-on
reactive armor.
The Israelis have used various types of add-on armor protection
for their tanks and APCs. The most modern add-on
hybrid armor package for M-113 and
LAV is the L-VAS, designed under collaboration between IMI and
RAFAEL. The Russian Army followed the same course as a
result of its experience in Afghanistan and Chechnya. The Russians
have also used cage armour, to protect against RPGs in Chechnya.
 In post war
Iraq, RPGs have caused over fifty percent of U.S. soldiers killed
in action.
In Iraq, the US Army is using reactive armor to protect the
Bradley M2, while the new Stryker APC is using an interim
Slat
Armor until the new add-on plate armor will be delivered in 2005.
Placement of sand bags and supplies boxes outside the turret and
hull are also creating a gap between the RPG and the steel armor,
that could degrade and even defeat the HEAT warhead of the RPG.
Designed specifically for close combat operations, this
reliable, simple and affordable weapon poses a serious threat to
even the heaviest tanks, when used by determined fighters, in
urban and guerrilla warfare.
In
Guerilla warfare, the RPG-7 is an effective tool against convoys,
isolated checkpoints, and observation posts, where it is
frequently used in volleys, coordination with other shooters. RPGs
are also used in certain conditions against low, slow flying or
hovering helicopters, where the weapon is fired from maximum range
(920 meters) utilizing the self destruct mechanism as a makeshift
proximity fuze. The weapon scored few successes in hitting
helicopters Afghanistan and Iraq. Recent improvements of the basic
weapon include the V1 tandem warhead rocket and
RPG-29, available in
tandem-HEAT and thermobaric versions.
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