9th Company

9th Company 9 ротa Movie Poster Country Russia Ukraine Finland Directed by Fedor Bondarchuk Release Date 2005 Language Russian Studio Art Pictures Studio Channel 1+1 Matila Röhr Productions (MRP) Main Cast Character Actor Lyutyy Artur Smolyaninov Vorobey Aleksey Chadov Dzhokonda Konstantin Kryukov Chugun Ivan Kokorin Ryaba Mikhail Evlanov Stas Artyom Mikhalkov Afanasiy Dmitriy Mukhamadeev Khokhol Fedor Bondarchuk Dygalo Mikhail Porechenkov Belosnezhka Irina Rakhmanova

9th Company (9 ROTA) is a 2005 Russian language film that follows a group of Soviet recruits from Basic Training to combat in the mountains of Afghanistan, during the Afghan-Soviet War (1979-1989). The story deals with idealistic young Soviet paratroopers, assigned to the 9th Company, who are fighting a desperate battle against the Mujaheddin fighters in the final days of the doomed conflict. It is (loosely) based on the Battle for Hill 3234.

The following weapons were used in the film 9th Company:

Rifles

AK-74

The AK-74, fitted with an NSPU night-vision scope, is used by Soviet infantryman Lyosha. It also appears amongst several Mujahideen, including local commander Akhmet (Marat Gudiev).

AK-74 with NSPU scope - 5.45x39mm

Lyosha looks through the NSPU night-vision scope fitted onto his AK-74.

AK-74 - 5.45x39mm

Akhmet (Marat Gudiev), a local Mujahideen leader, carries an AK-74.

Mujahideen advance on Hill 3234 firing their AK-74s.

A Mujahideen fighter armed with an AK-74 puts a Soviet paratrooper in a chokehold.

AKS-74

Soviet paratroopers use the AKS-74, differentiated from the AK-74 by its folding stock (or lack of buttstock), in both training and combat in Afghanistan. The Mujahideen fighters also use them. Their heavier-than-expected use amongst the 9th Company in both training and combat is undoubtedly due to their light weight and the folding buttstock, ideal for paratroopers. Note that many of these look like full-length AK-74 because of the rubber bands (standard-issue tourniquets from personal first-aid kits) wrapped around their folding stocks – reportedly to keep a tourniquet handy, but more often just to improve cheek-weld on a skeleton stock, as tourniquets rapidly dry out and degrade exposed to the harsh elements.

AKS-74 - 5.45x39mm

Vorobey (Aleksey Chadov) crawls under barbed wire during a training exercise, holding an AKS-74.

Drill Sergeant Dygalo (Mikhail Porechenkov) holds an AKS-74 fitted with a bayonet.

Stas (Artyom Mikhalkov) uses his AKS-74 during bayonet practice.

A Soviet recruit fires his AKS-74 on the rifle range.

Giaconda Petrovsky (Konstantin Kryukov) trades his AKS-74 for an SVD Dragunov.

A Soviet Paratrooper holds an AKS-74. Note the magazines taped together "jungle-style."

Afanasiy (Dmitriy Mukhamadeev) holds his AKS-74.

Giaconda Petrovsky (Konstantin Kryukov), carrying an AKS-74 instead of the SVD Dragunov, is led through an Afghan village by a local in his search for matches.

Stas (Artyom Mikhalkov) searches the village.

Stas aims his AKS-74 at nearby sudden movement.

A Mujahideen fighter fires his AKS-74.

Petrovsky exits a bunker, his AKS slung around his back.

A Soviet Paratrooper armed with an AKS-74 fires at the Mujahideen from a bunker.

Kurbashi (Amadu Mamadakov) and Warrant Officer Khokol Pogrebnyak (Fyodor Bondarchuk) fire their AKS-74 rifles during the Mujahideen attack. Pogrebnyak's AKS-74 is fitted with a GP-25.

Lyutyy wildly fires his AK-74 during the last stand.

Dragunov SVD

An SVD Dragunov is issued to Giaconda Petrovsky (Konstantin Kryukov), who is an excellent marksman.

SVD Dragunov sniper rifle - 7.6x54mm R

Giaconda Petrovsky (Konstantin Kryukov) chambers a round into the SVD Dragunov...

...Then Petrovsky fires.

Petrovsky with his Dragunov. Note the soldier next to him (Lyosha) using an AK-74 fitted with an NSPU telescopic night sight.

Worm's-Eye view of Petrovsky with the Dragunov.

Petrovsky cradles his Dragunov as the 9th Company is confronted with the few survivors of a Mujahideen attack.

Petrovsky takes down a Mujahideen with his Dragunov.

Machine Guns

PKM Machine Gun

Several 9th Company Paratroopers use the PKM Machine Gun: Chugainov (Ivan Kokorin) is given Samylin's old gun, which suffered a bend in the barrel due to a hand grenade explosion. He can be seen in one scene trying to sight it to fire at a rock 3m away. One of the paratroopers grabs the barrel of his PKM to bash a Mujahideen and sustains 3rd degree burns in the process.

PKM with classic (most seen) version of the flash hider - 7.62x54mm R

Chugainov (Ivan Kokorin) is issued the PKM Machine Gun.

Chugainov attempts to sight in the PKM. Note the bent barrel.

Chugainov fires the PKM.

A Mujahideen fires his PKM from the hip.

Chugainov loads a belt of 7.62x54mm into the chamber of his PKM.

Chugainov carries his PKM, holding it by the bipod, as he and the 9th Company search an Afghan village.

Mujahideen fire their PKMs.

A 9th Company paratrooper fires his PKM at charging Mujahideen.

A 9th Company Paratrooper fires his PKM.

Chugainov fires his PKM.

The PKM continues to fire even after Chugainov is knocked down by enemy fire.

Lyutyy (Artur Smolyaninov) leads a charge with the PKM.

PKT Machine Gun

The PKT Machine Gun is seen mounted on Soviet T-64 tanks.

PKT machine gun with 250-round ammo drum - 7.62x54mm R

A PKT machine gun fires from the turret of a T-64 tank.

RPK-74 Light Machine Gun

Soviet Paratroopers and their Afghan allies can be occasionally seen using the RPK-74 Light Machine Gun.

RPK-74 Light Machine Gun with 45-round box magazine - 5.45x39mm

A Soviet recruit carries an RPK-74 on a field march.

An RPK sits mounted on a barrel at a friendly Afghan checkpoint.

A Paratrooper operating a minesweeper carries an RPK slung around his back.

The soldier on the far left has an RPK-74 deployed on a rock.

KPVT Heavy Machine Gun

The KPVT Heavy Machine Gun is mounted on BTR-60 APCs and BRDM-2 scout vehicles used by the Soviet Army in the film.

KPVT Heavy Machine Gun - 14.5x114mm

A KPVT Heavy Machine Gun is visible mounted on the turret of a Soviet BRDM-2.

Close-up of a turret mounted KPVT as the 9th Company returns to base after successfully defending Hill 3234.

NSV Heavy Machine Gun

The NSV Heavy Machine Gun is used as a mounted heavy machine gun by Soviet Paratroopers on Hill 3234. Additional NSVTs are seen mounted at the commanders' hatches of T-64 tanks (despite the T-64 being incorrect for the Soviet war in Afghanistan; these tanks are possibly standing in for the similar T-72).

Tripod-mounted NSV heavy machine gun with ammo box and belt - 12.7x107mm

A tripod-mounted NSV Heavy Machine Gun sits at the Anava Outpost.

The machine gun crew open up with the NSV.

A good look at the tripod as the crew are forced to duck behind cover.

A 9th Company paratrooper lugs an NSV during the climb to Hill 3234.

A 9th Company Gun crew set up their NSV.

A gun crew man their NSV.

The NSV is clearly visible behind the head of this Paratrooper as it opens up on Mujahideen fighters during the convoy ambush.

9th Company Paratroopers open up on the charging Mujahideen.

An NSVT is visible on the T-64 tank leading the convoy.

An unmanned NSVT sits on the turret of the T-64.

Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-2

The Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-2 is mounted on the Soviet Mi-24P Hind-F gunships which come to the rescue of 9th Company during the final assault.

Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-2 30mm automatic cannon - 30x165mm

A GSh-30-2K 30mm automatic cannon is visible mounted on the Mi-24P Hind-F gunship escorting the 9th Company convoy into the mountains of Afghanistan.

Mi-24P Hind-F gunships rattle away with GSh-30-2K 30mm automatic cannon.

Shipunov 2A42

The Shipunov 2A42 is mounted on the BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicles used by the Soviets on convoy duty.

Shipunov 2A42 automatic cannon - 30x165mm

A Shipunov 2A42 mounted on a BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle.

A BMP-2 gunner aims his 24A2 at 9th Company paratroopers looting the convoy.

ZU-23-2

The ZU-23-2 Anti-Aircraft Gun is seen at Bagram Airbase and mounted at the Anava Outpost.

ZU-23-2 - 23mm

A ZU-23-2 Anti-Aircraft Gun is visible at the Anava Outpost on the far right of this screenshot.

The ZU-23-2 AA Gun is visible in the left foreground.

Launchers

AGS-17 Plamya

An AGS-17 Plamya can be seen as part of Hill 3234's defense.

AGS-17 Plamya on tripod - 30mm

Two 9th Company paratroopers to the right set up an AGS-17 Plamya. The paratrooper passing them carries an NSV.

The paratroopers in the bottom right can be seen loading an AGS-17.

The paratrooper to the right mans an AGS-17 Plamya.

Stas (Artyom Mikhalkov) on guard in an AGS-17 nest.

GP-25 Grenade Launcher

The GP-25 grenade launcher is used by Warrant Officer «Khokhol» Pogrebnyak (Fyodor Bondarchuk) and Afanasiy (Dmitriy Mukhamadeev), mounted on their AKS-74 rifles. This Grenade Launcher was first introduced in the 1980s and was referred to as the BG15. A later updated version would be the GP-30.

GP-25 grenade launcher - 40mm

Pogrebnyak on patrol with his AK-74 and GP-25.

Pogrebnyak with his AK-74 and GP-25.

The GP-25 is clearly visible as Pogrebnyak fires his AK-74.

Pogrebnyak loads a 40mm High-Explosive Round into his GP-25.

Afanasiy (Dmitriy Mukhamadeev) loads a 40mm HE into his GP-25.

Pogrebnyak fires a flare from his GP-25.

RPG-7

The RPG-7, mounted with a PGO-7 scope, is used by the Mujahideen alongside RPG-18s to attack the 9th Company. They are also carried by Soviet Paratroopers, but without a scope. A glaring error is that in several shots it is apparent that there is no loaded rocket when the RPG is fired.

RPG-7 - 40mm

A Soviet recruit holds an RPG-7 over his head during a march.

A 9th Company Paratrooper climbs up to Hill 3234, carrying a slung RPG-7.

RPG-7 with PG-7VM rocket and PGO-7 scope - 40mm

A Mujahideen fires an RPG-7 fitted with a PGO-7 scope at 9th Company. In a glaring error, there is actually no rocket visible before and when he fires.

Another Mujahideen fires an RPG-7. The same error in the above shot is repeated in this one.

A Mujahideen attaches a PG-7VM rocket to his RPG.

The Mujahideen fires his RPG-7.

RPG-18

The disposable, single-shot RPG-18 launcher is used by Mujahideen to attack the Soviets. Soviet Paratroopers also carry and operate them.

RPG-18 - 64mm

A Soviet Paratrooper fires at Mujahideen positions with his RPG-18.

Lyutyy (Artur Smolyaninov) climbs to Hill 3234, carrying an RPG-18 around his shoulders.

A pair of Mujahideen fire their RPG-18s at a Soviet convoy.

A Mujahideen fires his RPG-18. Note the second tube slung around his back.

A Mujahideen fighter fires his RPG-18 at the Soviets.

A Mujahideen fires his RPG-18 as a second disposes of his used tube.

Grenades & Mines

F-1 Hand Grenade

The main grenade carried by the Soviet paratroopers is the World War II-era F-1 Hand Grenade, even though the RGD-5 was standard issue from the 1960s onward. This is probably due to its iconic status in Russia, where RGD and similar modern grenades are largely unknown to civilians (the oft-cited Russian army myth defines the F-1 kill radius as 200 meters - while 200 m is actually its potential danger radius in range conditions).

F-1 High-Explosive Fragmentation Hand Grenade

Lyosha pulls the pin on an F-1 Hand Grenade.

A 9th Company paratrooper pockets an F-1 Hand Grenade.

Lyutyy (Artur Smolyaninov) throws an F-1 Hand Grenade.

Vorobey (Aleksey Chadov) cooks off an F-1 Hand Grenade for a suicidal detonation.

RGD-5 Hand Grenade

Giaconda Petrovsky (Konstantin Kryukov) throws an RGD-5 Hand Grenade into a Mujahideen tunnel complex in the aftermath of the Convoy Ambush.

RGD-5 High-Explosive Fragmentation Hand Grenade

An RGD-5 Hand Grenade thrown by Giaconda Petrovsky (Konstantin Kryukov) rolls into a hole used by the Mujahideen to escape.

The grenade goes "boom!" This scene is noteworthy for two reasons: the non-Hollywood explosion and by illustrating the ease at which the Mujahideen are able to escape the Soviets. One hole for every man.

UPG-8 Dummy Antitank Grenade

An UPG-8 dummy antitank grenade is used by Vorobey (Aleksey Chadov) in an exercise during training ("UPG" means "Uchebnaya Protivotankovaya Granata" - training anti-tank grenade. It is a training version of RKG-3 anti-tank grenade).

UPG-8 training grenade

Vorobey (Aleksey Chadov) readies UPG-8 grenade. Cyrillic letters "УПГ" can be seen on its body.

Vorobey hurls the dummy grenade at a Soviet T-72.

PFM-1 Lepestok

A PFM-1 Lepestok antipersonel landmine is seen in the one scene.

PFM-1 Lepestok landmine. This is training sample.

Perfect view of the landmine.

Trivia

Russian language poster for 9th Company aka 9 POTA (2005) (Russia). Note: Though IMDB lists the Russian name as "9 POTA" the cyrillic in the poster reads 9 "Roh-ta" with the "r" rolled on the tip of the tongue like in Spanish. Thus the 'phonetic' English wording used for the International Title is actually incorrect.

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