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Kalashnikov Unveils New Remote-Control System For Konkurs M Anti-tank Missile Tested In Ukraine.
Kalashnikov takes another step forward by announcing the completion of tests for its latest remote-control system designed for the Konkurs M guided anti-tank missile. Developed by PJSC Kirovsky Zavod Mayak, this system is based on lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine to provide better protection for crews and significantly enhance the effectiveness of Russian troops in anti-tank missions.
The new system is built around a portable console weighing less than ten kilograms and capable of operating for eight consecutive hours. (Picture source: Kalashnikov)
Originating from the family of Soviet-guided anti-tank missiles known under the NATO designation AT-5 Spandrel, the Konkurs M is renowned for its firepower and reliability. It can engage a wide range of targets, from main battle tanks to armored troop transport vehicles, as well as low-flying helicopters. Its operation is based on wire guidance, which means the operator directs the missile toward its target via a wire connecting the launcher to the projectile. However, one of the main challenges of this technology lies in the vulnerability of the crew, who often must remain close to the launcher to steer the missile. Kalashnikov has therefore designed a system that allows operators to maintain a safe distance, thereby significantly reducing the risk of exposure to enemy fire.
The new system is built around a portable console weighing less than ten kilograms and capable of operating for eight consecutive hours. Thanks to this device, a single operator can successively control up to three Konkurs M launchers, specially equipped for remote operation. Early field reports indicate that the entire system, including the installation of gear on each launcher, can be set up in about twenty minutes. This reduction in deployment time provides a clear tactical advantage, enabling anti-tank units to move quickly and catch the enemy off guard.
The initial tests of the system were conducted under conditions simulating a real combat environment, where the risk of counter-battery fire, especially by artillery and reconnaissance drones, is a major factor. The results demonstrate the equipment’s robustness and guidance accuracy, even when operators face multiple threats on the battlefield. Moreover, the ability to position the launcher in a covered location and operate the console remotely reduces both human losses and the risk of capturing sensitive equipment, a significant advantage in increasingly complex theaters of operation.
PJSC Kirovsky Zavod Mayak, which mass-produces the launchers for the Konkurs M and Fagot anti-tank missiles, expects this new remote system to draw interest from other armed forces around the world. Known for its reliability, the Konkurs M is already widely deployed by several countries, and the addition of a remote-control module further strengthens its versatility and capacity to adapt to various tactical scenarios. By combining proven missile technology with modernized guidance solutions, Kalashnikov once again demonstrates its commitment to incorporating operational feedback in order to provide safer and more efficient equipment.
With this system, Russia aims to solidify its position among the leading suppliers of anti-tank weaponry and meet the evolving needs of modern armies. The new remote-control system for the Konkurs M promises not only to advance anti-tank combat methods but also to enhance the protection and confidence of crews deployed on the front lines.