Soviet Weapons Systems
of the Afghanistan War
 (1979-1991)

In this section we will display the weapons that the Soviet Army used during the closing years of the Cold War.  This will necessarily focus on the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan, but will include other weapons developed for use against their main adversary - NATO.

As in all our weapon galleries, the newer weapons developed during this period are in the first column, while older weapons remaining in service are found in the second column.  Each is accompanied by photographs, technical specifications, and a full description of the weapon.  We have tried to focus of the history of each weapon's development, its capabilities and limitations, and where they have been used in combat.  The various types of ammunition used with each weapon are also listed and described.

Assault Rifles and Submachine Guns

  • AK-74 Assault Rifle

  • AKS-74 Assault Rifle

  • ASKU Submachine Gun
Sniper Rifles
  • None in Current Collection
Service Pistols
  • None in Current Collection
Machine Guns
Anti-Tank Rockets
Infantry Support Weapons
  • RPO Incendiary Rocket
Grenades

  • RGN Offensive Grenade

  • RGO Defensive Grenade
Mines

  • PMN-3 Anti-Personnel Mine
Swords, Bayonets, and Fighting Knives
  • None in Current Collection

 

 

Earlier Period
Weapons

Return to
The Afghan War

Later Period
Weapons