Drone-killer ATGM claim may prove an empty boast
How realistic is the idea of developing an anti-tank missile that can also shoot down UAVs?
The Russian Instrument Design Bureau (KBP, part of Rostec Corporation) says it is developing the first multi-purpose ATGM capable of targeting and shooting down UAVs — but there are grounds for treating this claim with scepticism.
Certain types of ATGMs are capable of engaging large and slow-moving aerial targets with a sufficient thermal signature, such as helicopters. However, no military in the world is known to possess anti-tank systems that can effectively also function as MANPADS against small low-contrast targets in the thermal spectrum, such as UAVs.
‘KBP has begun development of new ATGMs,’ Bekhan Ozdoyev, industrial director of the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Land Warfare
-
![UK fires Archer for first time in live-fire exercise]()
UK fires Archer for first time in live-fire exercise
Exercise Dynamic Front 25 is part of a series of NATO exercises that will run until 26 November.
-
![Sweden takes delivery of first M3 amphibious bridge and ferry system]()
Sweden takes delivery of first M3 amphibious bridge and ferry system
The most recent nation to join NATO has joined other member nations in using the M3 system.
-
![CV90 delivery to Slovakia imminent]()
CV90 delivery to Slovakia imminent
Slovakia is undergoing a radical refresh of its equipment, like many central and eastern European countries, and the arrival of new vehicles will form a substantial part of this.
-
![Mortar mobility: Patria’s TREMOS takes aim at the modern battlespace]()
Mortar mobility: Patria’s TREMOS takes aim at the modern battlespace
In conversation... Patria’s Lauri Pauniaho talks to Shephard's Gerrard Cowan about how high mobility levels are essential for mortar systems in the face of modern counter-battery fire, and how a new platform-agnostic module can combine existing vehicles and mortar barrels into a cost-effective new weapon system.
