DSA exhibition in Malaysia marked the first appearance in Asia on the C90 Reusable shoulder-fired weapon system from Spain’s Instalaza, which has quickly drawn attention within that category of systems. Unveiled at FEINDEF 2025 under the name Hispano, the way Ukrainian soldiers usually define the C90, it is designed as a reusable launcher mated to a broad family of specialised munitions, it aims to give light infantry and intervention forces a dramatic boost in anti‑armour and urban‑combat capability, without burdening soldiers with excessive weight
The C90 Reusable is an evolution in the well‑known C90 family, originally fielded as single‑use, disposable launchers. Where the earlier concept required the entire tube to be discarded after firing, the new system centres on a durable, reusable launcher that can accept different types of ammunition. For armed forces under budget and logistical pressure, the idea is straightforward: preserve the simplicity of the original C90 but spread the cost over many engagements.
With a mass of around 3.9 kg with its electronic optical sight but without ammunition, the C90 Reusable stands out as one of the lightest reusable launchers in its class. This low weight translates directly into increased endurance and freedom of movement for the infantry soldier, who can carry more rounds tailored to different targets rather than multiple heavy launchers. For airborne units, special forces and urban‑operations teams, where every kilogram matters, that weight saving is a decisive advantage.
Architecturally, the C90 Reusable revolves around three elements: a robust reusable launch tube, an integrated firing mechanism and a mounting interface for a choice of sights. The weapon is shoulder‑fired by a single operator and follows an intuitive “point and shoot” philosophy. As a recoilless system, it transmits very little energy to the shooter’s shoulder, limiting fatigue and making it easier to deliver rapid follow‑up shots in high‑intensity engagements.
In terms of range, the C90 Reusable is optimised for close and medium‑range combat. It is designed to engage point targets effectively out to roughly 350 metres and area targets out to around 800 metres, covering most typical infantry scenarios: neutralising light armoured vehicles, weapon positions, strongpoints and threats in complex urban terrain. Coupled with its 90 mm calibre, this range profile delivers a well‑judged balance between portability, terminal effect and accuracy.
Handling has been carefully worked to suit a wide range of physiques. Controls are accessible, the weapon can be brought to the shoulder quickly, and its compact overall length eases movement through buildings, vehicles and confined spaces. In an era where urban and close‑quarters environments dominate many operations, this compactness is more than a convenience – it is a tactical requirement.
A key strength of the C90 Reusable lies in its ammunition family. Rather than being confined to a single anti‑tank role, the system is supported by different warhead types, giving commanders and squad leaders considerable tactical flexibility. Dedicated anti‑armour rounds are available to defeat light armoured vehicles and protected tactical platforms, with penetration capabilities aligned to contemporary threats.
Dual‑purpose warheads combine shaped‑charge penetration with blast‑fragmentation effects, allowing the same round to tackle lightly armoured vehicles, field fortifications, firing points and improvised strongholds. Anti‑bunker variants are optimised to attack reinforced concrete and masonry, a common challenge in urban warfare and static defensive lines.
The portfolio is rounded off by smoke and enhanced‑blast options. Smoke rounds provide obscuration, conceal manoeuvre and support disengagement, while enhanced‑blast munitions are particularly suited to deal with enclosed spaces where overpressure and shockwave effects can be decisive. For a single section equipped with a mix of these rounds, the same launcher can answer a broad range of target sets, reducing the need to carry multiple different systems.
The most recent and visible evolution of the C90 Reusable is the integration of the e‑IVISION electro‑optic sight. Offered alongside the more traditional 2.5x optical sight, e‑IVISION reflects the wider trend towards digitising infantry weapons. It features a high‑resolution electronic display, selectable reticles matched to different ammunition types and electronic brightness control to suit varying light conditions.
This sight significantly improves aiming comfort and target acquisition, especially where light is poor or rapidly changing – at dawn, dusk, inside buildings or in mixed shadow. Being able to select a reticle suited to the ballistic profile of the round in use supports a higher first‑round hit probability and reduces the time needed to make an effective engagement. Despite its capabilities, the sight remains compact and battery‑powered, in keeping with the system’s overarching design philosophy of “maximum performance, minimum burden”.
Crucially, the C90 Reusable is not a stand‑alone product but part of a wider family that includes other C90 variants, such as CS90 as confined‑space optimised models and versions tailored to specific mission sets. For forces already operating disposable C90 launchers, this family approach eases the transition: training can build on existing familiarity, logistics can exploit commonality and doctrine can evolve rather than be rewritten from scratch.
By combining an exceptionally light launcher, a wide ammunition portfolio and modern electro‑optics, the C90 Reusable positions itself as a compelling option for armed forces seeking to sharpen infantry firepower without overloading their soldiers. Its appearance at DSA in Malaysia underlines not only its export ambitions, but also a broader shift in how armies view shoulder‑fired systems: no longer as single‑use “last resort” tools, but as flexible, reusable assets at the heart of the modern infantry section.
Photos by J. Roukoz
