DSEI 2025: Hands On With CZ’s New Grenade Launcher

Unveiled earlier this year the CZ GL is a lightweight, compact grenade launcher designed to be versatile and reliable. Chambered in the standard NATO low velocity 40×46 grenade, it features an ambidextrous manual safety, a 4-position telescopic stock, polymer pistol grip, and tool-free QD attachment points. It can easily be mounted on Picatinny rail-equipped rifle handguards as an underbarrel grenade launcher.

The CZ GL has a 163mm long hybrid double-layered barrel and trigger drop safety, similar to that seen on pistols, in addition to ambidextrous manual safety catches on either side of the weapon. The large barrel catch which enables the barrel to slide forward is only found on the left side of the barrel.

A chamber indicator provides visual and tactile confirmation of loading status. The weapon’s frame is made from. 7075 T6 aluminium alloy. A spin-drift compensated sight can be mounted on the launcher's top tail or mounted on either side of a rifle's handguard. The CZ GL is sighted out to 375 meters.

According to CZ the launcher has been tested to withstand 2,000 rounds and meets NATO ACC225/D14 Drop Safety standards.

The CZ GL mounted in its standalone stock feels light in the hand, with CZ noting it weighs around 2.2 kgs. A cross pin enables the user to quickly and easily detach the launcher from the stock and mount it onto a Picatinny rail-equipped rifle. The weapon has a two stage, double action trigger which doesn't feel too heavy compared to some similar launchers.

CZ and the Czech Ministry of Defense have just signed a new framework agreement for the supply of small arms and accessories worth up to CZK 4.26 billion ($204 million USD). This agreement includes CZ GL underbarrel grenade launchers.