The Wescom Defence 66 Mm Vehicle-Launched Grenade, Upgraded to Deliver Even Denser Obscuration
At Wescom Defence, we know that staying effective against evolving threats requires more than history, it requires continuous innovation. That is why our 66 mm VLG has undergone a comprehensive product refresh to enhance performance, backed by significant investment in infrastructure at our Derby production site.
For decades, the 66 mm Vehicle-Launched Grenade (VLG) has been trusted by armed forces worldwide to provide rapid, reliable obscuration for armoured vehicles on the battlefield. Designed to deliver an immediate and long lasting visual and infrared smoke screen, it remains a cornerstone of vehicle defensive aids but now also benefits from a refresh from Wescom Defence.
What’s New?
- Refreshed Formulation
Incorporating micro-encapsulated red phosphorus, our payload technology delivers dense, consistent multi-band smoke. This ensures enhanced protection across the visible, infrared (IR), and thermal imaging spectrum (8–14 μm), countering advanced target acquisition systems and drones. - Refined Manufacturing Process
With newly invested state of the art facilities and equipment at our Derby site, every grenade produced benefits from improved precision, consistency, and reliability, vital qualities when seconds count.
Proven Capability, Future Ready
The updated 66 mm VLG also provides:
- Instant screen generation (<3 seconds to smoke).
- Layered effect, rapid air-burst smoke followed by long-burning ground smoke for depth and persistence.
- Multi-band screening with effective IR coverage (up to 25 seconds).
- Rugged reliability, tested to withstand worldwide operational environments.
Safer. Cleaner. Smarter.
Modern conflicts demand not only superior battlefield performance but also responsible manufacturing and lifecycle management. The refreshed 66 mm VLG incorporates:
- Clean burn characteristics, reducing residue and unburnt particulates.
- Micro-encapsulation technology, improving stability and minimising environmental persistence.
- Reduced waste, thanks to tighter production controls at our Derby site.
Together, these advances make the 66 mm VLG a more environmentally responsible choice, maintaining operational power while reducing impact over the product’s life cycle.
A Strategic Investment
This refresh is part of Wescom Group’s ongoing programme of investment in manufacturing, strengthening our position as a trusted supplier to NATO and allied forces. By updating both our product formulations and our production facilities, we ensure that our customers continue to benefit from cutting edge survivability solutions.
Ready for Today’s Battlefield
As modern threats evolve, from drone surveillance to advanced thermal optics, effective screening remains vital for survivability. With its refreshed formulation and enhanced production quality, the 66 mm VLG is ready to meet today’s challenges while remaining fully compatible with existing 66mm launch systems.
See more of our systems here.