 First produced in the 1950s, by Mecar in Belgium, it was in front-line use by European armies until replaced by disposable tube-launched anti-tank rockets such as the M72 LAW.Although no longer in production, stocks of the grenade still exist and the Energa grenade remains in service with Third World countries.Armscor of South Africa manufactured the R1M1, an improved version of the Energa grenade.