Russian Soldier RPG Training Accident: Safety Protocols

Striking footage from a Russian military training exercise has circulated online this week, capturing the moment a soldier lost control of an RPG-7 rocket launcher and inadvertently pulled the trigger. The rocket fired instantly, streaking toward the ground directly beneath the trainee. Video of the incident, recorded by a supervising officer present at the scene, includes audio of the commander's alarmed reaction as he urgently orders the soldier to move away.

The accident occurred during live-fire training at a Russian military range, with the footage showing the rocket impacting the earth in close proximity to the soldier who fired it.

Russian Soldier Accidentally Fires RPG at Ground Beneath Him During Training

The incident carries particular danger given the nature of the RPG-7, which is far from a lightweight weapon. This anti-tank rocket launcher was developed in the Soviet Union and entered service in the 1960s. Over the next few decades, it became one of the most recognizable infantry weapons globally, seeing use in dozens of conflicts worldwide. The RPG-7 consists of a tube-shaped launcher to which dedicated rocket ammunition is attached. Upon firing, the rocket exits the launcher and continues its flight powered by its own rocket motor. Depending on the warhead type, the ammunition can be designed to engage armored vehicles, fortifications, or other targets.

Precisely because of its considerable destructive power, operating the RPG-7 requires strict adherence to safety protocols, proper firing stance, and complete control of the weapon. Errors in aiming direction or unintended activation can endanger both the operator and any personnel in the vicinity.