Russia Unveils Drone Capable of Firing 9K111 Fagot Anti-Tank Missile in Flight Mode.

In a significant advancement in military technology, Russia has reportedly developed a new type of drone capable of carrying and autonomously operating the 9K111 Fagot wire-guided anti-tank missile system, capable of firing a 9M111 missile (NATO reporting name AT-4 Spigot). This development was revealed in a video published on Telegram, a popular messaging platform.
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Russia has conducted a test fire of 9K111 anti-tank guided missile from a quadcopter drone. (Picture source Video Footage Telegram)

The drone, which represents a major step forward in unmanned warfare, is said to be capable of operating in a fully autonomous flight mode. This capability allows it to engage targets without direct human control, a feature that could significantly alter the dynamics of ground warfare.

The 9K111 Fagot system, which the drone is designed to carry, is a well-known anti-tank missile system that has been in use for decades. The integration of this system with a drone opens up new tactical possibilities, allowing for remote and precise targeting of armored vehicles or fortifications from the air.

Military analysts are closely watching this development, as it could have far-reaching implications for modern warfare. The ability of a drone to autonomously fire an anti-tank missile raises questions about the future of unmanned combat and the potential for increased automation on the battlefield.

While details about the drone's operational range, payload capacity, and deployment timeline remain unclear, the video demonstrates a significant technological achievement by Russia in the realm of unmanned systems and missile technology.

As tensions continue to rise in various global hotspots, the introduction of such advanced military technology could shift the balance of power and prompt other nations to accelerate their own developments in unmanned warfare. International observers and defense experts will undoubtedly keep a close watch on the implications of this groundbreaking technology.

The 9K111 Fagot, known in NATO terminology as the AT-4 Spigot, is a Soviet-era anti-tank missile system first introduced in the 1970s. Designed primarily to destroy tanks and other armored vehicles, the system has been widely used by various military forces around the world. The 9K111 Fagot operates on a wire-guidance system, where the operator controls the missile in flight through a thin wire that unspools from the missile to the launch unit. This allows the operator to make real-time adjustments during the missile's flight, enhancing accuracy against moving targets. The system typically includes a launch tube, a tripod, and the missile itself, which is known for its distinctive conical shape.

The 9M111 missile, the primary ammunition of the Fagot system, is characterized by its high penetration capability, effective against most types of armored vehicles. With a range of approximately 2,500 meters, it allows the engagement of targets at a considerable distance, providing safety to the operator from retaliatory fire. The missile uses a shaped charge warhead, effective at penetrating thick armor by focusing the explosive energy into a small area. Over the years, the 9K111 Fagot has been upgraded and exported, seeing action in various conflicts worldwide. Its continued use and effectiveness, despite its age, testify to its robust design and adaptability in diverse combat scenarios.

The 9K111 Fagot is a Russian-made semi-automatic command-to-line-of-sight (SACLOS) wire-guided anti-tank missile system. (Picture source Wikimedia)

Defense News January 2024