Serbia arms Obad quadcopters with 9M14 Malyutka anti-tank missiles.

Currently at the Partner 2023 expo, Serbia is showcasing a range of innovations. One such innovation is the Obad quadcopter, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) developed by the Military Technical Institute of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Serbia. This quadcopter is designed for quick deployment and high-mobility military applications. Uniquely, this version is armed with two 9M14 Malyutka anti-tank missiles that can be fired directly from the drone, a rather uncommon feature for a UAV.
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Serbian Obad quadcopter armed with 2 9M14 Malyutka anti-tank missiles at Partner 2023 (Picture source: Army Recognition )

The Obad quadcopter is equipped with eight BLDC motors with a total power output of 68.8 kW. It has an operational weight of 120 kg and can carry a payload of 40 kg. The drone can fly at a maximum altitude of 500 meters above the ground and has a cruising speed of 45 km/h. Its flight duration is 15 to 20 minutes, and it can take off and land vertically, allowing it to operate in hard-to-reach areas. Its operational range is over 5 km.

The most notable feature of the Obad is its armament system. It is equipped with two 9M14 Malyutka anti-tank missiles. These missiles have an effective firing range of 500 to 3,000 meters and a maximum speed of 130 m/s. They are guided by a Manual Command Line of Sight (MCLOS) system, requiring intensive training for the operator. However, the ability to fire these missiles directly from the drone significantly enhances its destructive capabilities, transforming this small drone into a tank hunter on the battlefield.

The 9M14 Malyutka is an Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) system developed in the Soviet Union. It was the first man-portable anti-tank missile of the Soviet Union and is probably the most widely produced ATGM of all time. Although it has been replaced by more advanced systems, the Malyutka, and its variants have been widely used in almost every regional conflict since the 1960s.

The Malyutka has specific features that make it suitable for various combat scenarios. With a weight of 10.9 kg and a length of 860 mm, it is relatively compact. Its wingspan is 393 mm, and its diameter is 125 mm. The warhead of the 9M14 Malyutka weighs 2.6 kg, which, combined with its other features, makes it a proven choice for anti-tank operations. The fact that it can be fired from the drone significantly extends its range. Given the number of such missiles already produced worldwide, the Obad is unlikely to run out of ammunition anytime soon, and it could potentially be equipped with more modern versions.

The Obad quadcopter armed with 9M14 Malyutka missiles represents a new stage in the development of unmanned aerial systems for military applications. Its ability to be rapidly deployed and operate in challenging environments, combined with its powerful armament, makes it a versatile tool for reconnaissance missions. More importantly, it offers excellent tank-destroying capabilities without engaging in combat or being used as a kamikaze drone, thereby preserving its integrity and improving its cost-to-destruction ratio.