Serbia merges US and Russian technologies in new anti-tank vehicle.

The Military Technical Institute, affiliated with the Republic of Serbia Ministry of Defense, is showcasing a modified High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or Humvee) at the Partner 2023 Salon. The vehicle is now equipped with a Russian-origin Fagot anti-tank missile system as its primary weapon.
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This Serbian Humvee is adapted for the transport and launch of four Fagot anti-tank missiles (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The HMMWV (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle), commonly known as the "Humvee," has been a crucial part of the US military's ground fleet since its introduction in 1984. AM General has manufactured over 281,000 units, and its popularity extends beyond the US, as many allied forces worldwide have adopted it for their military operations.

In 2023, the Serbian Army received a shipment of 66 Humvee light armored vehicles through a direct contract with the American company AM General. This delivery is part of an order for a total of 118 vehicles.

The vehicle's versatility lies in its ability to be equipped with various specialized kits and equipment, enabling it to fulfill roles such as troop transport, command and control vehicles, medical evacuation units, and armament carriers. Some variants are equipped with a heavy machine gun, an automatic grenade launcher, or an anti-tank missile launcher.

Serbia had already announced last year its plans to equip the new Humvees with devices from domestic military factories, and there was a possibility of fitting them with a 12.7 mm machine gun or an automatic grenade launcher on a universal mount.

The Military Technical Institute, affiliated with the Republic of Serbia Ministry of Defense, surprised everyone at the Partner 2023 exhibition by presenting this new modified version of the US Humvee by equipping it with the Russian-designed Fagot anti-tank missile

This Serbian Humvee is designed for the transport and launch of four Fagot anti-tank missiles. and it requires a crew of four for operation. The transition time from market to action mode for the vehicle is reported to be 5 minutes.

The present Humvee features basic armor for protection and the Fagot anti-tank missile launcher is mounted on the roof and can be rotated 360 degrees. The shooter is protected by 360° armor plates. The modified Humvee has a missile capacity of four and a missile range of up to 2,500 meters. Additionally, it can be equipped with a PKT 7.62mm machine gun as a secondary weapon.

The Soviet-made Fagot anti-tank guided missile system, also known by its NATO designation AT-4 Spigo was introduced in the 1970s as a successor to the 9K11 Malyutka (NATO designation AT-3 Sagger). The Fagot has improved range, accuracy, and penetration capabilities.

The AT-4 Spigot operates on a wire-guided system, requiring the operator to maintain line-of-sight with the target and manually guide the missile to impact. This allows for course adjustments mid-flight and the ability to engage moving targets. However, it also leaves the operator exposed while the missile is in flight, which could be up to 2.5 kilometers away. The missile is capable of penetrating up to 400 mm of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA), making it effective against most main battle tanks.

Light armored vehicles equipped with roof-mounted anti-tank systems offer several tactical advantages in modern warfare scenarios, as shown in Ukraine. Their relatively small size and agility make them ideal for ambush tactics in both urban and rural settings. The roof-mounted system allows for a 360-degree field of fire, providing the ability to engage targets from multiple directions without the need to reposition the vehicle. This is particularly useful in dynamic combat situations where threats can emerge from any angle.

Additionally, the light weight of these vehicles enables rapid deployment and quick withdrawal from combat zones, offering a level of flexibility that heavier armored vehicles often cannot match. The combination of speed, maneuverability, and firepower makes these vehicles a versatile asset for a range of military operations, including quick-response actions and hit-and-run tactics.