The GP-34 is a Russian 40 mm GP-series underbarrel grenade launcher, GRAU index 6G34, developed by Izhmash / Kalashnikov Concern as a later GP-25 and GP-30 family member. It fires VOG-25-family rounds from a single-shot muzzle-loaded tube, fits modern Kalashnikov rifles such as the AK-74M and AK-103, and has direct 2014 Russia-Ukraine War evidence from a 2015 seizure document and 2026 Russian reporting.
Ukrainian delegation material hosted by the OSCE identified a GP-34 seized from a Russian special-forces group near Volnovakha in 2015, and TASS later quoted Kalashnikov saying GP-34 launchers were used in the special military operation zone in 2026.
Role detailsThe GP-34 is the GRAU 6G34 member of the Soviet and Russian 40 mm GP underbarrel-launcher line, following the GP-25 and GP-30 family while retaining VOG-25 ammunition compatibility.
| Variant | Configuration | Designation notes |
|---|---|---|
 | Earlier Soviet GP-series launcher | Modern Firearms describes the GP-34 as an evolutionary development of the earlier GP-25 and GP-30 models. Sources: GP-34 Underbarrel Grenade Launcher - Modern Firearms |
 | Earlier GP-series launcher | Weaponsystems.net describes the GP-34 as a competitor to the older GP-30 and notes both systems share the VOG-25 40 mm grenade family. Sources: GP-34 - Weaponsystems.net |
Reference and official reporting describe the GP-34 as an underbarrel launcher for modern Kalashnikov-pattern rifles.
| Compatible item | Item type | Compatibility evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | 5.45x39 mm assault rifle | Modern Firearms lists AK-74M compatibility and shows the GP-34 mounted on a 5.45 mm AK-74M rifle. Sources: GP-34 Underbarrel Grenade Launcher - Modern Firearms |
 | 7.62x39 mm assault rifle | Kalashnikov Group describes the GP-34 as designed for modern Kalashnikov rifles, and Modern Firearms lists the AK-103 among the rifles on which it can be installed. Sources: GP-34 catalog page, GP-34 Underbarrel Grenade Launcher - Modern Firearms |
The GP-34 is best read as a small GP-series launcher update rather than a separate automatic grenade-launcher class: it keeps the VOG-25 ammunition family and underbarrel rifle mounting, while sources emphasize sighting, safety, and handling changes.
| Topic | Sourced detail | Reader context |
|---|---|---|
| Designation | GRAU index 6G34; developed by Izhmash / Kalashnikov Concern. | Separates the GP-34 designation from the earlier GP-25 and GP-30 names. |
| Ammunition | Uses 40 mm VOG-25-family muzzle-loaded rounds; TASS also describes high-explosive fragmentation, thermobaric, illumination, and signal uses. | Explains why older GP-family ammunition context still matters for this launcher. |
| Handling | Single-shot, rifled, muzzle-loaded launcher with a double-action-only trigger and right-side mechanical sights. | Shows that the GP-34 is an infantry rifle attachment, not a repeating standalone launcher. |
| Safety and sighting | Weaponsystems.net highlights grenade-retention, misfire-reset, safe unloading, and a different sighting arrangement from the GP-30. | Gives the practical reason sources frame it as an update over earlier GP launchers. |
| Range class | Sources list point-blank to 400 m range adjustment or up to 400 m engagement range. | Places the weapon in close infantry fire support rather than artillery or automatic-grenade-launcher roles. |
Sources: GP-34 Underbarrel Grenade Launcher - Modern Firearms; GP-34 - Weaponsystems.net; Kalashnikov Group delivers large batch of GP-34 grenade launchers to state customer.
Weaponsystems.net lists GP-34 production beginning in 2005 after early-2000s development by Izhmash.
Sources: GP-34 - Weaponsystems.net
Weaponsystems.net lists 2006 as the GP-34 entry-into-service year and identifies Russia as a notable user.
Sources: GP-34 - Weaponsystems.net
Ukrainian delegation material hosted by the OSCE identified a GP-34 seized from a Russian special-forces group in fighting near Volnovakha.
Sources: Ukraine delegation Russian weapons presentation
TASS reported a Kalashnikov statement that a large batch of 40 mm GP-34 launchers had been dispatched to a state customer and that the weapon was used in the special military operation zone.
Sources: Kalashnikov Group delivers large batch of GP-34 grenade launchers to state customer
