China has developed a next-generation 25mm handheld grenade launcher featuring programmable airburst munitions, a compact electronic fire control system, and modular construction, according to an article published in the military magazine Ordnance Knowledge.
The report introduces a new experimental 25mm airburst grenade launcher designed for individual use, combining advanced fuze programming with a high level of portability and lethality. It is capable of engaging personnel, light vehicles, and even drones. According to the publication, the system allows “fast radial fragmentation transmission, enabling effective target engagement.”
As noted in the article, the launcher is built from several modular components, including an optical sighting unit, body assembly, automated firing group, ammunition feed module, and a fire selector switch. The weapon is fully modular and can be quickly disassembled or reassembled for maintenance or transport. It can also be equipped with an airburst kit, which adds programmable detonation capability.
The fire control system (FCS) is compact and mounted on the upper rail. The article states that the system “features an integrated lightweight design with laser rangefinding, infrared temperature sensing, ballistic computation, and environmental parameter detection.” The shooter selects the munition and target type, after which the FCS calculates trajectory corrections and sets the airburst timing electronically, improving hit probability and reducing time to fire.
The publication describes the weapon as incorporating a “bullpup layout” and a “triggerless design,” which reduces overall length and improves maneuverability in confined settings. The design also makes extensive use of lightweight alloy materials, making the launcher easier to carry during dismounted operations.
The system fires 25mm high-speed grenades with a muzzle velocity exceeding 200 meters per second and an effective flight range of over 2,000 meters. Compared to low- or medium-velocity grenade launchers used in foreign military exports, the new Chinese system offers “extended airburst range, a wide kill radius, and effective area suppression,” the article says.
The weapon uses a multi-stage recoil absorption mechanism to reduce felt recoil and prevent harsh impacts during firing. Operators can engage targets from standing, kneeling, or prone positions. A standard Picatinny rail supports optical sights, grips, and accessories, enhancing customization.
During the evaluation, the system demonstrated a programmable airburst function. A loitering munition or grenade is timed to detonate above the target based on distance data fed into the electronic fuze. The concept is similar to other programmable airburst systems but tailored to fit a lightweight, soldier-operated platform.
The article details several munition types supported by the launcher:
- Fragmentation grenades for personnel targets in trenches or open terrain.
- Shaped-charge grenades with high-fragility warheads designed for light armored vehicles and fortified positions.
- Programmable airburst grenades, equipped with time-settable fuzes and designed to explode above the target to neutralize troops behind cover.
The modular fuze system allows soldiers to select the appropriate munition type based on the mission, enhancing flexibility in both urban and open combat scenarios.
The magazine layout places the ammunition in front of the trigger group, a bullpup-style configuration common in compact weapon systems. A detachable front vertical grip can be mounted to improve handling. The weapon is designed for ease of use with “simple operation and short firing preparation time.”
One of the system photos described in the article shows the fire control unit mounted on the upper rail and includes the laser rangefinder, ballistic calculator, and airburst programming controls. Another image shows training grenades used during live-fire evaluations, marked clearly as inert for test purposes.
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