Infantry Weapons

Instalaza C-90 / C90-CR

Also known as
  • C-90
  • C90
  • C90-CR
  • C90-CR (M3.5)
  • C90-CR M3.5
  • C90 CR M3.5
  • C90-CR weapon system
  • Instalaza C90
  • Instalaza C90-CR
  • Spanish C90 grenade launcher

The Instalaza C-90 / C90-CR is a Spanish disposable 90 mm shoulder-fired rocket launcher family built around single-use tubes, integrated 2x optics, and mission-specific anti-tank, dual-purpose, smoke, and anti-bunker munitions. Open-source conflict records tie the system to captured C-90 series launchers in Yemen and to Spain's 2022 military aid for Ukraine, where C90 launchers were documented in Ukrainian hands.

Instalaza C-90 / C90-CR, Disposable 90 mm shoulder-fired rocket launcher, Infantry Weapons
Image source: Commons C-90 Cutaway Image

Role in Conflicts

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin
Spain
Type
Disposable 90 mm shoulder-fired rocket launcher
Service note
1990s-present
Designer
Instalaza S.A.
Designed
First C90 generation entered service in 1983; later C90 generations followed
Unit cost
Not consistently published
Produced
1990s-present
Number built
Not publicly confirmed

Specifications

Caliber
90 mm
Crew
Single operator
Length
About 940-983 mm depending on source and configuration
Launcher type
Disposable shoulder-launched recoilless rocket system with integrated optical sight
Weight
About 5.2-5.6 kg depending on munition variant
Effective range
350 m against point targets; up to 700 m against area targets for selected variants
Warhead options
Anti-tank, dual-purpose anti-armor/fragmentation, smoke, and anti-bunker variants
Sights
Integrated foldable 2x optical sight; compatible with Instalaza night and thermal vision devices
Variants

Instalaza's current C90-CR (M3.5) line identifies variants by the munition integrated into the disposable 90 mm launch tube.

VariantConfigurationDesignation notes
C90-CR-RB (M3.5), Anti-tank 90 mm munition, MunitionsC90-CR-RB (M3.5)Anti-tank munition

Manufacturer data lists the RB model as the anti-tank C90-CR (M3.5) munition.

Sources: C90-CR (M3.5) Weapon System

C90-CR-AM (M3.5) dual-purpose munition, Dual-purpose anti-armour and fragmentation 90 mm munition, MunitionsC90-CR-AM (M3.5) dual-purpose munitionDual-purpose anti-armour and fragmentation munition

Manufacturer data lists the AM model as the dual-purpose C90-CR (M3.5) munition.

Sources: C90-CR (M3.5) Weapon System

C90-CR-FIM (M3.5) smoke munition, Smoke 90 mm munition, MunitionsC90-CR-FIM (M3.5) smoke munitionSmoke munition

Manufacturer data lists the FIM model as the smoke C90-CR (M3.5) munition.

Sources: C90-CR (M3.5) Weapon System

C90-CR-BK (M3.5), 90 mm anti-bunker munition, MunitionsC90-CR-BK (M3.5)Anti-bunker munition

Manufacturer data lists the BK model as the anti-bunker C90-CR (M3.5) munition.

Sources: C90-CR (M3.5) Weapon System

Supported Munitions

Instalaza lists anti-tank, dual-purpose, smoke, and anti-bunker munitions as the C90-CR (M3.5) family options.

Compatible itemItem typeCompatibility evidence
C90-CR-AM (M3.5) dual-purpose munition, Dual-purpose anti-armour and fragmentation 90 mm munition, MunitionsC90-CR-AM (M3.5) dual-purpose munitionDual-purpose munition

Instalaza lists C90-CR-AM (M3.5) as the dual-purpose munition for the C90-CR weapon system.

Sources: C90-CR (M3.5) Weapon System

C90-CR-BK (M3.5), 90 mm anti-bunker munition, MunitionsC90-CR-BK (M3.5)Anti-bunker munition

Instalaza lists C90-CR-BK (M3.5) as the anti-bunker munition for the C90-CR weapon system.

Sources: C90-CR (M3.5) Weapon System

C90-CR-FIM (M3.5) smoke munition, Smoke 90 mm munition, MunitionsC90-CR-FIM (M3.5) smoke munitionSmoke munition

Instalaza lists C90-CR-FIM (M3.5) as the smoke munition for the C90-CR weapon system.

Sources: C90-CR (M3.5) Weapon System

C90-CR-RB (M3.5), Anti-tank 90 mm munition, MunitionsC90-CR-RB (M3.5)Anti-tank munition

Instalaza lists C90-CR-RB (M3.5) as the anti-tank munition for the C90-CR weapon system.

Sources: C90-CR (M3.5) Weapon System

Family Features

Instalaza presents the C90-CR (M3.5) as a disposable shoulder-launched family rather than a reloadable launcher: each weapon leaves the factory with its munition, sight, and firing mechanism integrated into the tube.

Single-use launcher

The launch tube, projectile, 2x foldable optical sight, and firing mechanism are issued as one ready-to-fire weapon.

Night and thermal interfaces

Instalaza lists compatibility with VN-IIT image-intensifier and VN-IR thermal devices mounted through the sight interface.

Training path

The manufacturer describes TR90-BT subcalibre training and SAARA (M2) simulator options for the C90 family.

Timeline

Instalaza C-90 / C90-CR Key Events

  1. First C90 generation enters service

    Instalaza's history page identifies 1983 as the operational evaluation and entry into service of the first generation of C90 systems.

    Sources: Instalaza Company History

  2. ARES documents C-90 series weapons in Yemen

    Armament Research Services reported C-90 series launchers in Houthi possession and assessed battlefield capture from Saudi or pro-Hadi stocks as the likely acquisition route.

    Sources: Spanish C90-CR Rocket Launchers and Alhambra Hand Grenades in Yemen

  3. C90 launchers documented in Ukrainian hands

    Spanish defense reporting said C90 launchers from Spain's first 2022 arms shipment had reached Ukrainian forces after delivery through Poland.

    Sources: Infodefensa C90 in Ukraine

Media

Instalaza C-90 / C90-CR Videos

Instalaza C-90 / C90-CR Images

Instalaza C-90 / C90-CR, Disposable 90 mm shoulder-fired rocket launcher, Infantry Weapons - view 1
Source: Commons Spanish Marines C-90 Image
Instalaza C-90 / C90-CR, Disposable 90 mm shoulder-fired rocket launcher, Infantry Weapons - view 2
Source: Commons Spanish Navy Display C-90 Image
Instalaza C-90 / C90-CR, Disposable 90 mm shoulder-fired rocket launcher, Infantry Weapons - view 3
Source: Commons Estonian Kaitseliit C-90 Image
Related Weapon Systems
C90-CR-AM (M3.5) dual-purpose munition, Dual-purpose anti-armour and fragmentation 90 mm munition, MunitionsMunitionsC90-CR-AM (M3.5) dual-purpose munitionDual-purpose anti-armour and fragmentation 90 mm munitionThe C90-CR-AM (M3.5) is Instalaza's Spanish dual-purpose 90 mm C90-CR variant, combining anti-armour penetration with a fragmentation effect in a disposable shoulder-launched weapon system. Instalaza lists it as the AM load in the C90-CR (M3.5) table, while open-source Ukraine reporting identified a C90-CR-AM M3.5 among newly supplied anti-tank weapons seen with Ukrainian Azov combatants in March 2022.
M79 Osa, Reusable 90 mm anti-tank rocket launcher, Infantry WeaponsInfantry WeaponsM79 OsaReusable 90 mm anti-tank rocket launcherThe M79 Osa is a Yugoslav-designed, reusable 90 mm shoulder-fired anti-tank rocket launcher built around unguided HEAT rockets, a detachable rocket container, and optical sighting. Direct conflict-use evidence includes Free Syrian Army firing in Damascus, Islamic State-associated M79 Osa rockets and launchers in Syria and Iraq, and a Somali security-force seizure in Puntland; source-backed family context also covers the RL90 M95, OSA 2, and thermobaric rocket payload.
RPG-7, Reusable shoulder-fired anti-tank rocket launcher, Infantry WeaponsInfantry WeaponsRPG-7Reusable shoulder-fired anti-tank rocket launcherThe RPG-7 is a Soviet-origin reusable shoulder-fired rocket launcher built around a simple 40 mm launch tube and a wide family of over-caliber anti-armor, fragmentation, and thermobaric rounds. Its low cost, portability, and large global stock make it a common infantry anti-armor and assault weapon, including documented Ukrainian service, Hamas use in Gaza, ISWAP use in the 2009 Boko Haram Insurgency, and insurgent use in Afghanistan.
M80 Zolja, Disposable 64 mm anti-tank rocket launcher, Infantry WeaponsInfantry WeaponsM80 ZoljaDisposable 64 mm anti-tank rocket launcherThe M80 Zolja is a Yugoslav-origin, single-shot 64 mm shoulder-fired anti-tank rocket launcher built around a disposable tube and HEAT rocket. Official Serbian export material presents the RBR M80 as a light infantry weapon for close-range engagements against armored vehicles and fortified positions, while conflict reporting documents Zolja-type weapons in the 2001 Insurgency in Macedonia, Boko Haram materiel evidence, and North Macedonian transfers to Ukraine.

Sources

C90-CR (M3.5) Weapon SystemPublisher: Instalaza S.A. | Note: Supports manufacturer background, munition variants, launcher configuration, sighting equipment, weights, ranges, and penetration data. | Accessed: 2026-07-05Spanish C90-CR Rocket Launchers and Alhambra Hand Grenades in YemenPublisher: Armament Research Services | Note: Supports 2014 Yemen Civil War direct conflict usage: C90-CR series launchers were used by Houthi-aligned forces as captured weapons after being documented in Houthi possession and captured from Saudi or pro-Hadi positions. | Accessed: 2026-07-05Why Are Spanish Weapons Being Used in the War in Yemen?Publisher: El Pais English | Note: Supports 2014 Yemen Civil War direct conflict usage: C90-CR launchers were used by Houthi-aligned forces after likely capture from Saudi troops or allies, according to the ARES findings reported by El Pais. | Accessed: 2026-07-05Reuters Spain Grenade Launchers for UkrainePublisher: Reuters via Stabroek News | Note: Supports 2014 Russia-Ukraine War direct conflict usage: Spain's defense minister announced a shipment of 1,370 anti-tank grenade launchers and other weapons to Ukraine in March 2022. | Accessed: 2026-07-05Infodefensa C90 in UkrainePublisher: InfoDefensa | Note: Supports 2014 Russia-Ukraine War direct conflict usage: C90 launchers from Spain's first arms shipment were reported in Ukrainian hands, with details on the shipment route and Spanish Army inventory origin. | Accessed: 2026-07-05GlobalSecurity C90 BackgroundPublisher: GlobalSecurity.org | Note: Supports background on late-1980s development, Spanish Army adoption in 1990, early export offering, and broad C90-CR mission-specific variants. | Accessed: 2026-07-05Instalaza Company HistoryPublisher: Instalaza S.A. | Note: Supports C90 family history milestones, including first-generation C90 service entry in 1983, later generations, the anti-bunker family variant, C90 Reusable, and CS90 as adjacent family branches. | Accessed: 2026-07-05Instalaza Night Vision DevicesPublisher: Instalaza S.A. | Note: Supports VN-IIT image-intensifier and VN-IR thermal-device compatibility with C90 family weapon systems and quick attachment through the sight interface. | Accessed: 2026-07-05Commons C-90 Cutaway ImagePublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance for a public-domain photo of early Instalaza C-90 launchers. | Accessed: 2026-07-05Commons Spanish Marines C-90 ImagePublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and CC BY-SA 3.0 licensing for Spanish Marines with a C-90 launcher. | Accessed: 2026-07-05Commons Spanish Navy Display C-90 ImagePublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and CC BY-SA 2.0 licensing for an Instalaza C-90 displayed with Spanish Marine equipment. | Accessed: 2026-07-05Commons Estonian Kaitseliit C-90 ImagePublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and CC BY 2.0 licensing for an Estonian training image categorized as Instalaza C-90. | Accessed: 2026-07-05