A training exercise involving Russian military personnel reportedly descended into chaos when a soldier lost control of a mounted YakB-12.7 rotary machine gun. The weapon began spinning wildly, forcing other troops to dive for cover as bullets appeared to spray across the training range. The incident was captured on video and has circulated widely on social media.
The footage, which has not been independently verified regarding its exact time and location, is described as depicting a Russian mobile fire group training exercise. The YakB-12.7, a four-barrel rotary machine gun, was originally developed for use on the Mil Mi-24 'Hind' attack helicopter.
The video begins with a soldier operating the mounted machine gun. Within moments, the weapon's recoil appears to overwhelm the mounting system, causing the heavy machine gun to rotate violently around its support. The operator is seen being pulled with the spinning weapon, attempting to regain control before being thrown over a nearby barrier. The machine gun reportedly continued to discharge rounds while rotating uncontrollably.
Other servicemen are seen ducking and scrambling away from the wildly swinging weapon. Eventually, another serviceman approaches the spinning gun and appears to stop its rotation. He is then seen reaching toward the barrel and immediately pulling his hand away, seemingly due to the heat from sustained firing.
Details regarding any injuries sustained during the incident have not been released. Online commentary has speculated on the cause of the malfunction, with some viewers suggesting a flawed mounting arrangement or an imbalance in the weapon's setup, possibly related to how the ammunition box was attached. One viewer noted that the weapon was mounted off-bore, which could exacerbate acceleration from recoil. Another commentator expressed surprise that a soldier appeared to touch the hot gun barrel shortly after the firing ceased.
