By Jean-Michel Guhl
The current year has seen the end of wars now modestly called « special operations » even if their effects resemble war in all respects… Close or urban combat is nowadays a major concern for armies, and the tactical advantage of the stealth technology of the Fly-K Mk2 brings an additional weapon specifically designed for this type of combat which has become an important component on current battlefields. This can be observed in the conflict in Ukraine where the forces are in trenches very close to the adversary. Close combat and combat in urban areas, where casualties are high, clearly demonstrate the importance of having an individual weapon capable of firing munitions with a parabolic trajectory — and in particular infrared illumination grenades at night with NVGs— where the enemy cannot locate the firing position or the approach phase until impact. This is an essential operational advantage and avoids being exposed to enemy fire.
Revealed in 2019 at the Sofins Special Forces show in Bordeaux, the Fly-K Mk2 light grenade launcher represents the second generation of a stealth weapon system intended for fire support of a section engaged in close or urban combat. Proven in operations and meeting the most recent requirements of combat missions — already in service with the UAE and French forces — this highly innovative weapon weighing approximately 5kg, easily carried on the shoulder with its wide shoulder strap, is capable of firing up to 12 rounds at a very high rate of fire without ever betraying its position. It makes no noise, produces no flash or smoke, and munition trajectory is not detectable by radar. Featuring a new handguard, it does not produce any heat and has a very robust luminous digital range indicator (DRI) with integrated digital magnetic compass. Its sighting device, which can be adjusted according to the position of the shooter, makes it possible to use a wide variety of munitions, including grapnel with rope or tactical ladder.
In the Fly-K Mk2 version, the base plate and ball joint have been improved to optimize ground contact and efficiency. With a very simple and safe battery installation, it can also be transported loaded and ready to fire. New features in the tactical and operational domain: the range for close combat increases (from 650m) to 900m, and the advanced Fly-K Mk2 system offers the possibility of incorporating drones as sensors that indicate to the IGL shooter the distance and the direction of the target. The drone therefore ensures reconnaissance, identification, monitoring and effectiveness of the impact of the IGL shot. All in all, a very complete system.