Kalashnikov delivers Vikhr-1 antitank guided missiles to Russian MoD.

The Kalashnikov Concern fulfilled ahead of schedule its 2023 obligations under the state contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense for the supply of Vikhr-1 guided missiles. Before being transferred to the Ministry of Defense, the ammunition underwent control flight tests, during which they confirmed full compliance with the contract requirements.

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Vikhr-1 anti-tank guided missile fired by a Kamov Ka-52 Alligator (Picture source: Kalashnikov Concern)

Vikhr-1 guided missiles are designed to destroy enemy armored vehicles and fortifications, moving ground and low-speed air targets. The maximum firing range is up to 10 km, its speed is more than 600 meters per second. The missiles are carried by Ka-52 Alligator reconnaissance and attack helicopters. The Vikhr-1 missiles already showed high efficiency during the war waged in Ukraine. They have been supplied to the Russian Armed Forces since 2015.

“A lot of work has been done, and now in the NWO zone “Vikhr” demonstrates high efficiency,” said company president Alan Lushnikov. – The product has the potential for modernization. There is something to work on in terms of range and warhead. Obligations under this year’s state defense order have been fulfilled successfully, but work to improve the missile does not stop.”

The 9K121 Vikhr, also known as the Whirlwind or AT-16 Scallion, is a Soviet anti-tank missile system. It can be launched from various platforms, including warships, helicopters like the Ka-50 and Ka-52, and the Su-25T aircraft. It was publicly revealed at the 1992 Farnborough Airshow. The missile is designed to engage ground targets, including armored vehicles with reactive armor, at ranges of up to 8 km when fired from helicopters and 10 km from fixed-wing aircraft during the day, and up to 5 km at night. It can also target airborne threats when air defenses are active.

The Vikhr-1 missile is part of the Vikhr-M system, featuring an automatic sight and launcher. It was adopted in 1990 and received upgrades in 2021.

The automatic sight includes TV and IR channels for target sighting, a laser beam channel for missile control, a laser rangefinder, target tracking, a digital computer, and stabilization systems. It enables target detection and identification day and night, automatic tracking, and precise missile guidance.

The missile carries a HEAT fragmentation warhead with a contact and proximity fuze, air-dynamic control, control electronics, a motor, and a laser detector, all stored in a sealed container. Its multi-purpose warhead allows it to engage armored, airborne, and area targets, offering versatility.

The Vikhr missile employs a laser beam control system for precise guidance, reducing susceptibility to jamming. It has a high target-hit probability, especially against stationary targets. The missiles can be fired singly or in pairs, and their high flight speed allows for rapid target engagement. This system can launch Vikhr missiles against multiple targets within a short time frame, significantly enhancing its lethality compared to earlier systems.