View source for RPO-A Shmel

{{Infobox weapon
| name               = RPO-A Shmel
| image              = RPO-A missile and launcher.jpg
| image_size         = 305
| caption            = RPO-Shmel and Launcher
| origin             = [[Soviet Union]]
| type               = [[Missile launcher]]
<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged          = YES
| is_missile         = YES
| is_explosive       = YES
<!-- Service history -->| service            = 1986–present 
| used_by            = See [[#Operators|Operators]]
| wars               = [[Soviet–Afghan War]]<br />[[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|War in Afghanistan]]<br />[[First Chechen War]]<br />[[Second Chechen War]]<br />[[Kivu conflict]]<ref name='FDLR' /><br />[[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir]]<br />[[Syrian Civil War]]<ref name="Archived copy">{{Cite web |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a18067/this-bumblebee-flamethrower-packs-a-mean-stinger/ |title=This "Bumblebee" Flamethrower Packs a Mean Stinger |date=4 November 2015 |access-date=2018-02-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215084410/https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a18067/this-bumblebee-flamethrower-packs-a-mean-stinger/ |archive-date=2018-02-15 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />[[War in Iraq (2013-2017)]]<ref name="Archived copy"/><br />[[Russo-Ukrainian War]]<ref name ="MRO/RPO">{{cite web|title=Russian MRO-A Rocket Launchers in Ukraine|first=Michael|last=Smallwood|date=1 June 2014|url=http://armamentresearch.com/russian-mro-a-rocket-launchers-in-ukraine/|website=[[armamentresearch.com]]|access-date=23 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129112100/http://armamentresearch.com/russian-mro-a-rocket-launchers-in-ukraine/|archive-date=29 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
<br />[[Gaza war]]
<!-- Production history -->| designer           = [[KBP Instrument Design Bureau|KBP]]
| design_date        = 1984
| manufacturer       = [[KBP Instrument Design Bureau|KBP]]
| unit_cost          = 
| production_date    = Late 1980s
| number             = 
| variants           = See ''[[RPO-A Shmel#Variants|Variants]]''
<!-- General specifications -->| spec_label         = 
| weight             = {{convert|11|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
| length             = Launcher: 920&nbsp;mm<br />Rocket:&nbsp;700mm
| part_length        = <!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
| cartridge          = 
| cartridge_weight   = 
| caliber            = 93&nbsp;mm
| barrels            = 
| action             = 
| rate               = 
| velocity           = 125 ±5&nbsp;m/s
| range              = 20 m – 1000&nbsp;m (sighting range is 600&nbsp;m)<br />RPO-M is 1700&nbsp;m (sighting range is 800&nbsp;m)
| max_range          = 
| feed               = 
| sights             = iron
<!-- For all -->| ref                = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/defence/land_forces/news/jidr/jidr010104_3_n.shtml |title=RPO-A Shmel rocket infantry flame-thrower |last=Gander |first=Terry |date=2001-01-05 |publisher=Jane's |work=Land Forces |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060709224954/http://www.janes.com/defence/land_forces/news/jidr/jidr010104_3_n.shtml |archive-date=July 9, 2006 }}</ref>
}}

The '''RPO-A Shmel'''<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.military-today.com/firearms/rpo_a_shmel.htm |title=RPO-A Shmel - Thermobaric rocket launcher |access-date=2016-12-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161215165809if_/http://www.military-today.com/firearms/rpo_a_shmel.htm |archive-date=2016-12-15 |url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://weaponews.com/weapons/8983-flew-exploded-burned-to-the-ground-what-can-a-manual-bumblebee--the-ki.html |title=Flew, exploded, burned to the ground: What can a manual "bumblebee"-the killer |access-date=2018-02-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215084335/http://weaponews.com/weapons/8983-flew-exploded-burned-to-the-ground-what-can-a-manual-bumblebee--the-ki.html |archive-date=2018-02-15 |url-status=live }}</ref> ({{langx|ru|реактивный пехотный огнемёт РПО-А «Шмель»|lit=rocket-propelled infantry flamethrower "[[Bumblebee]]"}}) is a man-portable, single-use, rocket-assisted [[thermobaric weapon]].<ref>{{Cite web|title="SHMEL" INFANTRY ROCKET-ASSISTED FLAMETHROWER|url=http://www.kbptula.ru/en/productions/small-arms-guns-grenade-launchers/flame-throwers/rpo-shmel|website=KBP Instrument Design Bureau|access-date=2020-06-17|archive-date=2021-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224213042/http://www.kbptula.ru/en/productions/small-arms-guns-grenade-launchers/flame-throwers/rpo-shmel|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last=Sergeev|first=S. G.|url=https://arsenal-info.ru/b/book/1396712997|title=Weapon handling manual. 93mm rocket assisted infantry flamethrower (RPO-A) [In Russian]|publisher=Ministry of Defence. USSR|year=1989}}</ref> While its name directly translates to [[flamethrower]] (and it is classified as such in Russian military documents), the RPO-A Shmel is more accurately described as a [[thermobaric weapon]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cranny-Evans |first1=Samuel |title=The Inner Workings of Russia's Thermobaric Weapons |url=https://www.army-technology.com/features/the-inner-workings-of-russias-thermobaric-weapons/ |access-date=25 March 2024 |agency=Verdict Media |publisher=Army Technology |date=15 August 2022}}</ref>
The ''Shmel'' is designed, produced and exported by the [[Russian Federation]] and previously by the [[Soviet Union]]. It entered service with the [[Soviet Armed Forces]] at the end of the 1980s as the successor for the [[RPO Rys]].

==Description==
The RPO-A is a single-shot, self-contained tube shaped launcher that operates much like the [[RPG-18]] anti-tank launcher, a sealed tube, carried in a man-pack in pairs. The same person can remove the tube, place it in firing position, and launch the weapon without assistance. After launch, the tube is discarded. All models are externally similar.<ref name=":0" />

Designed to defeat concealed enemy firing positions, disable lightly armored vehicles and destroy enemy manpower. The aiming range with a [[diopter sight]] is 600 meters, with an OPO optical sight – 450 m, OPO-1 – up to 850 m.

===Ammunition===
Each weapon contains a single rocket, of which there are three varieties. The basic rocket is the '''RPO-A''', which has a [[thermobaric weapon|thermobaric]] [[warhead]] and is designed for attacking soft targets under moderate cover. The '''RPO-Z''' is a [[incendiary bomb|incendiary]] warhead (from {{langx|ru|зажигательный|zazhigatel'nyy|incendiary|label=none}}) designed to spread fire and ignite targets. The '''RPO-D''' is a [[Shell (projectile)#Smoke|smoke]] warhead (from {{langx|ru|дымовой|dymovoy|related to smoke|label=none}}).

==Variants==
{{anchor |RPO PDM-A Shmel-M|RPO-M Shmel-M|RPO PDM-A}}
[[File:RPO PDM-A Shmel-M.jpg|170px|thumb|right|RPO PDM-A Shmel-M]]
An updated development is the improved '''RPO-M "Shmel-M"''' that was shown for the first time at [[Eurosatory]] 2006. This version is similar to the original weapon, but has a calibre of 90&nbsp;mm, a weight of {{convert|8.8|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, and an overall length of 940&nbsp;mm. The system has better ergonomics, an improved rocket, and better ballistics and terminal effects. It consists of a disposable launching tube attached to a reusable fire control unit that includes the pistol grip, electronic trigger and safety, and a folding base with an optical sight and additional rail for an infrared/[[night vision device|night vision sight]]. Effective range is 300&nbsp;m, maximum sighting range is 800&nbsp;m, and maximum range is 1,700&nbsp;m. The thermobaric warhead's blast effect is equivalent to {{convert|5.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}} of [[TNT]], comparable to a 155&nbsp;mm artillery shell. The "Shmel-M" is also known as '''RPO PDM-A''' (from {{langx|ru|Повышенной Дальности и Мощности|Povyshennoy Dal'nosti i Moshchnosti|enhanced range and power|label=none}}) and is produced for the local and export markets. A version with a mechanical sight was adopted on 24 December 2003.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kbptula.ru/eng/atgw/shmelm.htm |title= KBP. Infantry Rocket-Assisted Flamethrower of Enhanced Range and Lethality|website=kbptula.ru |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327180142/http://kbptula.ru/eng/atgw/shmelm.htm |archive-date=March 27, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://world.guns.ru/grenade/rus/rpo-m-shmel-m-e.html|title=Modern Firearms|date=28 October 2010 |access-date=26 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220205249/http://world.guns.ru/grenade/rus/rpo-m-shmel-m-e.html|archive-date=20 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defensereview.com/new-rpo-shmel-m-infantry-rocket-flamethrower-man-packable-thermobaric-weapon/|title=New RPO Shmel-M Infantry Rocket Flamethrower Man-Packable Thermobaric Weapon|author=David Crane|date=19 July 2006|work=DefenseReview.com (DR): An online tactical technology and military defense technology magazine with particular focus on the latest and greatest tactical firearms news (tactical gun news), tactical gear news and tactical shooting news.|access-date=26 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027212445/http://www.defensereview.com/new-rpo-shmel-m-infantry-rocket-flamethrower-man-packable-thermobaric-weapon/|archive-date=27 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzxVL8WoTwo|title=Rocket Flamethrower Shmel-M (Огнемет Шмель-М)|work=YouTube|date=22 August 2010 |access-date=26 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140624185007/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzxVL8WoTwo|archive-date=24 June 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kbptula.ru/index.php/ru/razrabotki-kbp/strelkovo-pushechnoe-i-granatometnoe-vooruzhenie/ognemety/rpo-pdm-a-shmel-m|title=ОАО "Конструкторское бюро приборостроения" - РПО ПДМ-А Шмель-М|access-date=26 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215052937/http://www.kbptula.ru/index.php/ru/razrabotki-kbp/strelkovo-pushechnoe-i-granatometnoe-vooruzhenie/ognemety/rpo-pdm-a-shmel-m|archive-date=15 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{anchor |MRO-A|MRO-D|MRO-Z}}
The '''[[MRO-A]]''' is a smaller development of the RPO-series with caliber reduced to 72.5&nbsp;mm, similar to the [[RPG-26|RShG-2]].  It is self-contained, disposable, single-shot recoilless launcher with an overall length of 900&nbsp;mm, weight of {{convert|4.7|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, and has a folding forward grip.  The sights are RPO-based, with a fixed front and folding ladder-type [[diopter sight|diopter]] rear, giving an effective range of 90&nbsp;m and maximum range of 450&nbsp;m.  The MRO-series includes different versions, again based on RPO versions: MRO-A thermobaric; MRO-D [[white phosphorus]] smoke; and MRO-Z incendiary.  It was adopted by the Russian army around 2002 and issued to chemical troops to supplement the larger RPO-A.<ref>[http://modernfirearms.net/grenade/rus/mro-a-e.html MRO-A small disposable thermbaric grenade launcher /rocket propelled flame-thrower (Russia)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224025912/http://modernfirearms.net/grenade/rus/mro-a-e.html |date=2016-12-24 }} - Modernfirearms.net</ref><ref name ="MRO/RPO"/><ref>[http://armamentresearch.com/russian-mro-a-thermobaric-rocket-launchers-in-syria/ Russian MRO-A thermobaric rocket launchers in Syria] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709080222/http://armamentresearch.com/russian-mro-a-thermobaric-rocket-launchers-in-syria/ |date=2017-07-09 }} - Armamentresearch.com, 30 October 2015</ref><ref>[http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=3288 Russian MRO-A Rocket Launchers in the Ukraine] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224032208/http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=3288 |date=2016-12-24 }} - SAdefensejournal.com, 1 January 2016</ref>

{{anchor |MGK Bur}}
'''MGK ''Bur'''''<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.all4shooters.com/en/Shooting/pro-zone/KBP-MGK-BUR-Rocket-Launcher-Eurosatory-2014/ |title=KBP MGK "Bur" |date=7 July 2014 |access-date=2018-02-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180211071611/https://www.all4shooters.com/en/Shooting/pro-zone/KBP-MGK-BUR-Rocket-Launcher-Eurosatory-2014/ |archive-date=2018-02-11 |url-status=live }}</ref> ({{langx|ru|малогабаритный гранатомётный Комплекс «Бур»|Malogabaritnyy Granatomotnyy Kompleks "Bur"}} — Compact Grenade-launching System [[Auger (drill)|"Auger"]]) is a 62&nbsp;mm version of the RPO-M consisting of two major components: the disposable launch tube and reusable fire control unit.  Described as "the most compact grenade launcher in the world," the weapon has an overall length of 742&nbsp;mm and weighs {{convert|5|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.  Loaded tubes weigh {{convert|3.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and can fire thermobaric (blast yield similar to {{convert|6|kg|lb|abbr=on}} of TNT, or a 122&nbsp;mm artillery rocket) or fragmentation warheads.  The fire control unit is the same one used on the RPO-M, weighing {{convert|1.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and enabling ranges of 25–650&nbsp;m with the baseline day sight; night and thermal systems are also available. Maximum range is 950 meters, with a firing mechanism service life of at least 500 rounds. It can be fired in confined spaces with a volume of at least 30 cubic meters. As of October 2014, it has been accepted into service and serial production has been started.<ref>{{in lang|en}} http://kbptula.ru/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=309&Itemid=653&lang=en#spoiler_0 {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022041838/http://www.kbptula.ru/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=309&Itemid=653&lang=en |date=2013-10-22 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Впервые на IDEX-2013 КБП рекламирует многоцелевой ракетный комплекс дальнего действия "Корнет-ЭМ" |language=ru |date=18 February 2013 |work=ЦАМТО |publisher=Centre for Analysis of World Arms Trade |location=Moscow |url=http://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2013/0218/095017139/detail.shtml |access-date=25 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112063004/http://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2013/0218/095017139/detail.shtml |archive-date=12 November 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://itar-tass.com/armiya-i-opk/1521472|title=ТАСС: Армия и ОПК - В Туле налажен серийный выпуск гранатометов "Бур"|work=ТАСС|access-date=26 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029081940/http://itar-tass.com/armiya-i-opk/1521472|archive-date=29 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://modernfirearms.net/grenade/rus/bur-e.html BUR grenade launcher] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224030053/http://modernfirearms.net/grenade/rus/bur-e.html |date=2016-12-24 }} - Modernfirearms.net</ref><ref>[http://www.janes.com/article/45414/small-size-grenade-launcher-in-production-id14d2 Small-size grenade launcher in production] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224031307/http://www.janes.com/article/45414/small-size-grenade-launcher-in-production-id14d2 |date=2016-12-24 }} - Janes.com, 6 November 2014</ref><ref>[http://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/bur_small-sized_grenade_launcher_entered_in_service_with_russian_anti-terrorist_units_12906162.html Bur small-sized grenade launcher entered in service with Russian anti-terrorist units] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224032553/http://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/bur_small-sized_grenade_launcher_entered_in_service_with_russian_anti-terrorist_units_12906162.html |date=2016-12-24 }} - Armyrecognition.com, 29 June 2016</ref>

==Service history==
RPO weapons have seen use by the Soviet Army in [[Afghanistan]] and by both the Russian invasion forces and Chechen resistance forces in the [[First Chechen War|First]] and [[Second Chechen War|Second]] Chechen Wars. In September 1997, a large number of RPO were included in an arms airdrop to pro-[[Denis Sassou Nguesso|Nguesso]] forces during the Second [[Republic of the Congo Civil War (1997–1999)|Republic of Congo Civil War]].<ref name="SAS 2003" /> On September 3, 2004, Russian forces used RPO-A Shmel as part of the effort to end the [[Beslan school siege]].<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/a-reversal-over-beslan-only-fuels-speculation/211124.html |work= [[The Moscow Times]] |title= A Reversal Over Beslan Only Fuels Speculation |first1= Anatoly |last1= Medetsky |first2 =Yana |last2= Voitova |date= 2005-07-21 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110903054655/http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/a-reversal-over-beslan-only-fuels-speculation/211124.htm |archive-date= 2011-09-03 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 9 August 2014, during the [[War in Donbas (2014–2022)|war in Donbas]], the Ukrainian border checkpoint of Milove was attacked using RPO thermobaric weapons. The main building was hit by five incendiary rockets.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://news.liga.net/news/politics/2860108-pogranzastavu_v_melovom_obstrelyali_iz_ognemetov_s_territorii_rf.htm|title = Погранзаставу в Меловом обстреляли из огнеметов с территории РФ|date = 9 August 2014|publisher = Liga News|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140812055750/http://news.liga.net/news/politics/2860108-pogranzastavu_v_melovom_obstrelyali_iz_ognemetov_s_territorii_rf.htm|archive-date = 12 August 2014|url-status = live}}</ref> It was used by [[Indian Army]] in September 2016 for surgical strike against insurgents in Pakistan-administered Kashmir successfully.{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}} It was also used on 8 February 2017 in Ukraine, killing [[Donetsk People's Republic]] commander [[Mikhail Tolstykh|Mikhail "Givi" Tolstykh]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/separatist-commander-mikhail-tolstykh-givi-killed-ukraine-1.3971740|title=Separatist commander Mikhail Tolstykh, 'Givi', killed in eastern Ukraine|publisher=CBCNews|access-date=3 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320025025/http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/separatist-commander-mikhail-tolstykh-givi-killed-ukraine-1.3971740|archive-date=20 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The munition has seen wide use by the Russian Federation in its [[2022 invasion of Ukraine]].

On October 2, 2023, an attack by presumed [[Kurdistan Workers' Party|PKK]] members was foiled in the Turkish capital city of [[Ankara]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/world/turkey-suicide-bomber-terrorist-b2421817.html | title=Suspected terror attack in Turkey as bomb explodes in capital Ankara | website=[[Independent.co.uk]] | date=October 2023 }}</ref> One attacker was armed with an [[M4 carbine|M4 Carbine]] and an RPO launcher.

On December 2, 2023, [[Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades]], the military wing of Hamas, announced their first deployment of the weapon during the [[Gaza war]] to target a specialized Israeli force taking cover in a house in Jabalia, Northern Gaza.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Al-Qassam Brigades deploy anti-bunker missile RPO-A for the first time {{!}} Al Bawaba |url=https://www.albawaba.net/news/al-qassam-brigades-deploy-anti-bunker-missile-rpo-first-time-1546696 |access-date=2023-12-28 |website=www.albawaba.net |language=en}}</ref>

==Operators==
[[File:RPO-A operators.png|thumb|upright=1.35|Operators {{legend|#0360d5|Current}}{{legend|#dd001e|Former}}]]

===Current operators===
* {{AFG}}<ref>{{cite book|title=Afghanistan, Arms and Conflict: Armed Groups, Disarmament and Security in a Post-War Society|first1=Michael Vinai|last1=Bhatia|first2=Mark|last2=Sedra|publisher=[[Routledge]]|editor=Small Arms Survey|editor-link=Small Arms Survey|isbn=978-0-415-45308-0|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P4N9AgAAQBAJ|page=66|date=May 2008|access-date=2018-09-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901145604/https://books.google.fr/books?id=P4N9AgAAQBAJ|archive-date=2018-09-01|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{ARM}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Войска радиационной, химической и биологической защиты (РХБЗ) Вооруженных сил Армении проводят учения с боевыми стрельбам. |url=https://t.me/arxivat0r/36 |publisher=Armenian Military Portal |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240526090847/https://t.me/arxivat0r/36 |archive-date=26 May 2024 |language=ru |date=25 May 2024 |quote=В ходе учений применяются ТОС-1А «Солнцепек» и РПО «Шмель».}}</ref>{{sps|date=July 2024}}
* {{BLR}} The PDM-A Priz is replacing the RPO-A Shmel<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/february_2019_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/belarusian_army_have_adopted_russian_pdm-a_priz_90_mm_rocket_launcher.html |title=Belarusian Army has adopted Russian PDM-A Priz 90 mm rocket launcher &#124; February 2019 Global Defense Security army news industry &#124; Defense Security global news industry army 2019 &#124; Archive News year |date=2 February 2019 |access-date=2019-02-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202212627/https://www.armyrecognition.com/february_2019_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/belarusian_army_have_adopted_russian_pdm-a_priz_90_mm_rocket_launcher.html |archive-date=2019-02-02 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* {{CHN}} Produced under license in the name [[PF-97]]
* {{flag|Republic of Congo}}
:* [[Cobra (militia)|Cobra militia]] received several RPO-A in September 1997<ref name ='SAS 2003'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2003.html|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2003/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2003-Chapter-08-EN.pdf|chapter=Making the Difference?: Weapon Collection and Small Arms Availability in the Republic of Congo|title=Small Arms Survey 2003: Development Denied|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|year=2003|author=Small Arms Survey|author-link=Small Arms Survey|pages=262–263|isbn=0199251754|access-date=2018-08-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829175229/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2003.html|archive-date=2018-08-29|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|Flagge FDLR.svg}} [[Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda]]<ref name = 'FDLR'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2015/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2015-Highlights-EN.pdf|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2015/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2015-Chapter-07-EN.pdf|chapter=Waning Cohesion: The Rise and Fall of the FDLR–FOCA|title=Small Arms Survey 2015: weapons and the world|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|year=2015|author=Small Arms Survey|author-link=Small Arms Survey|ref={{harvid|Small Arms Survey 2015}}|page=203|access-date=2018-08-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128065841/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2015/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2015-Highlights-EN.pdf|archive-date=2018-01-28|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{FJI}}<ref name="altair.pl">{{cite web |url=http://www.altair.com.pl/news/view?news_id=18730 |title=:: Rosyjska broń dla Fidżi |publisher=altair.pl |language=pl |access-date=2016-02-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304183249/http://www.altair.com.pl/news/view?news_id=18730 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*{{flag|Georgia}}<ref>{{cite web | url = http://geo-army.ge/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=9&lang=en | title = Armament of the Georgian Army | publisher = Georgian Army | access-date = 2007-06-25 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120309192408/http://geo-army.ge/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=9&lang=en | archive-date = 2012-03-09 | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=1166 |title=KBP RPO-A (Shmel) |access-date=2018-02-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203064401/https://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=1166 |archive-date=2018-02-03 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* {{IND}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Simha |first=Rakesh Krishnan |date=2016-10-11 |title=Russian flamethrower 'Shmel' spearheaded surgical strikes |url=https://www.rbth.com/blogs/stranger_than_fiction/2016/10/11/russian-flamethrower-shmel-spearheaded-surgical-strikes_637715 |access-date=2024-01-04 |website=Russia Beyond |language=en-US}}</ref>
* {{RUS}}<ref>[https://function.mil.ru/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12555189@egNews Огнеметчики ЦВО уничтожили укрепленный опорный пункт условного противника в ходе занятия в Кузбассе] // официальный интернет-сайт министерства обороны РФ от 20 марта 2025</ref>
* {{SRI}}<ref>{{cite book |last1=Mehta |first1=Raj K. |title=Lost Victory: The Rise & Fall of LTTE Supremo, V. Prabhakaran |date=2010 |publisher=Pentagon Press |isbn=978-81-8274-443-1 |pages=107−110 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WyRZKMxTPXsC |access-date=20 August 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
* {{SYR}}<ref>{{cite tweet|user=green_lemonnn|author=Green lemon|number=677294880771719168|date=17 December 2015|title=#Syria RPO-A Shmel Thermobaric rockets used by NDF/SAA in Jabal Al Nuba against rebels /JN.}}</ref><ref>[https://x.com/JHArnous/status/1769615403574083631?t=rtQFpgl6kXW1jLzCSHRgFQ&s=19 Russian military experts conducted training with soldiers of the Syrian Arab Army on the use of RPO-A Shmel' thermobaric rocket weapons. The Russian and Syrian military were satisfied with the results of the exercises]</ref>
* {{UKR}}<ref name ="MRO/RPO"/>
* {{VIE}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-06-11 |title=Soi sức mạnh súng phóng lựu nhiệt áp RPO-A Shmel |url=https://vov.vn/quan-su-quoc-phong/vu-khi/soi-suc-manh-sung-phong-luu-nhiet-ap-rpo-a-shmel-919505.vov |access-date=2023-10-14 |website=VOV.VN |language=vi}}</ref>

===Former operators===
* {{flag|USSR}}
* {{flag|Federal Republic of Yugoslavia}}{{citation needed|date=August 2018}}
* {{flag|Chechen Republic of Ichkeria}}

==See also==
* [[BMO-T]], a specialized heavy [[armored personnel carrier]] based on the [[T-72]] tank and intended to carry a squad of soldiers armed with RPO launchers
* [[FHJ-84]] — an over/under two-shot variant from China
* [[M202 FLASH]] — a similar weapon developed by the [[US Army]]
* [[List of Russian weaponry]]
* [[Russian NBC Protection Troops]] — main user.

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
* {{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20211014164251/http://www.military-today.com/firearms/rpo_a_shmel.htm RPO-A Shmel - Thermobaric rocket launcher]}}
* [http://modernfirearms.net/grenade/rus/rpo-a-shmel-e.html RPO-A - Modern Firearms]
{{commons category|Shmel}}

{{Russian RPG series}}

[[Category:Rocket-propelled grenade launchers of the Soviet Union]]
[[Category:Cold War weapons of the Soviet Union]]
[[Category:KBP Instrument Design Bureau products]]
[[Category:Flamethrowers of the Soviet Union]]
[[Category:Incendiary rocket launchers]]
[[Category:Thermobaric weapons]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1980s]]