Russian Kornet-D1 anti-tank missile system to enter state trials.

Russia’s latest 9P163 Kornet-D1 anti-tank missile system NATO code: AT-14 Spriggan) designed for the Airborne Force will undergo state trials this year, the Defense Ministry reported on 16 January.

Kornet-D1 displayed at Armya-2018 near Kubinka (Picture source: Army Recognition)

"In 2019, the latest Kornet-D1 anti-tank missile system designated as armament for artillery and airborne units will undergo state trials before it is accepted for service in the Airborne Force. The self-propelled anti-tank missile system based on the chassis of the BMD-4M airborne assault vehicle that is landed by the parachute method will possess unique capabilities by the range and the accuracy of its fire," the ministry said. Paratroopers will fire the new precision weapon from the vehicle’s fighting compartment remotely, the ministry stressed.

"The trials of the new weapon developed for anti-tank units of the Airborne Force’s artillery will be held at several ranges of the Russian Defense Ministry. The anti-tank missile system will be among the first most advanced precision weapons developed for the Airborne Force’s artillery formations and will considerably enhance the firepower of airborne assault and parachute units," the ministry said.

The Kornet-D anti-tank guided missile is a third-generation anti-tank missile that was designed by Russia's KPB Instrument Design Bureau and introduced at a defense exhibition in 1994. It was designed to replace the AT-5 Spandrel of the 1970s. The Kornet-D system consists of a missile with a launch tube, a thermal imager and a tripod for launching by infantry. Together, the launch tube and missile weight 63 pounds (29 kg), while the launch tube alone weighs 59 pounds (27kg). The thermal imager weighs 24 pounds (11kg). The tripod weighs 42 pounds (19 kg). Although the Kornet-D can be used by infantry forces, the weight of the missile system predisposes it to being launched from a platform on a vehicle.

The Kornet-D uses a SACLOS (semi-automatic command to line of sight) guidance. The operator locks on to a target that has been illuminated by a laser. The missile then travels along the line of sight to home in on the target. It can engage targets up to a distance of 6,015 yards (5,500m).

The Kornet-D can fire either a HEAT warhead or an explosive thermobaric warhead. The HEAT warhead can penetrate up to 47 inches (1,200mm) of armor and can defeat tanks with explosive reactive armor. It can also pierce reinforced concrete structures up to 11.5 feet (3m) thick. The explosive thermobaric warhead has the explosive power of 22 pounds (10 kg) of TNT.