9M133 Kornet
Specifications
| Designation | 9M133 Kornet |
| Also Known As | AT-14 Spriggan, 9M133F Kornet-E, 9M133F-1 Kornet-EM |
| Type | Laser-guided anti-tank missile |
| Manufacturer | KBP Instrument Design Bureau |
| Operators | Russia; Syria; Iran; Hezbollah; Iraq; Algeria |
| Length | 1.5 m |
| Diameter | 0.15 m |
| Weight | 42.5 kg |
| Range | 8 km |
| Speed | Mach 0.7 |
| Guidance | Semi-automatic command to line-of-sight (SACLOS) laser beam riding |
| Warhead | 7kg tandem shaped charge (1100mm RHA penetration) or thermobaric |
| Propulsion | Solid-fuel rocket motor |
| First Tested | 1995 |
| First Deployed | 1998 |
| Unit Cost | ~$35,000 per missile |
Overview
The 9M133 Kornet is a Russian-made laser-guided anti-tank missile designed to engage and destroy main battle tanks. Its tandem shaped charge warhead and SACLOS guidance system make it a formidable opponent on the battlefield. The Kornet has been used extensively in various conflicts, including the Iran conflict, where it has been employed by Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed forces.
Development History
The 9M133 Kornet was first tested in 1995 and entered service with the Russian military in 1998. Since then, it has been exported to several countries, including Syria, Iran, and Iraq. The Kornet has undergone several upgrades, including the introduction of a new guidance system and a thermobaric warhead.
Technical Deep Dive
The 9M133 Kornet uses a solid-fuel rocket motor to propel the missile to a speed of Mach 0.7. The missile's guidance system is based on a SACLOS laser beam riding system, which allows the operator to track the target and guide the missile to impact. The Kornet's warhead is a 7kg tandem shaped charge, which can penetrate up to 1100mm of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA). The missile also has a thermobaric variant, which can be used to engage and destroy fortified targets.
Combat Record
Tactical Role
The 9M133 Kornet is used by Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed forces in the Iran conflict to engage and destroy Israeli and US forces. Its effectiveness in anti-tank warfare has been demonstrated in several conflicts, including the 2006 Lebanon War.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Variants
| Variant | Differences | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 9M133F Kornet-E | Improved guidance system and thermobaric warhead | Operational |
| 9M133F-1 Kornet-EM | Improved propulsion system and increased range | Operational |
Countermeasures
The 9M133 Kornet can be countered by using active protection systems, such as the Trophy APS, and by employing terrain and weather conditions to disrupt its guidance system. Additionally, the Kornet's slow flight time at maximum range makes it vulnerable to countermeasures.
Analysis
Conflict Impact
The 9M133 Kornet has had a significant impact on the Iran conflict, demonstrating its effectiveness in anti-tank warfare and highlighting the need for advanced countermeasures. Its use by Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed forces has been a game-changer in the conflict, allowing them to engage and destroy Israeli and US forces with relative ease.
Future Outlook
The 9M133 Kornet is likely to remain a key player in the Iran conflict, with its effectiveness in anti-tank warfare making it a valuable asset for asymmetric warfare. However, its vulnerability to countermeasures and its limited range make it less effective in other scenarios.
Analyst Assessment
The 9M133 Kornet is a highly effective anti-tank missile system that has had a significant impact on the Iran conflict. Its use by Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed forces has been a game-changer, allowing them to engage and destroy Israeli and US forces with relative ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 9M133 Kornet and how does it work?
The 9M133 Kornet is a Russian-made laser-guided anti-tank missile designed to engage and destroy main battle tanks. It uses a solid-fuel rocket motor and a SACLOS guidance system to track the target and guide the missile to impact.
Has the 9M133 Kornet been used in any conflicts?
Yes, the 9M133 Kornet has been used in several conflicts, including the 2006 Lebanon War, the Iraq War, and the Syrian Civil War.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the 9M133 Kornet?
The 9M133 Kornet's strengths include its ability to penetrate up to 1100mm of RHA, its SACLOS guidance system, and its thermobaric variant. Its weaknesses include its vulnerability to countermeasures, its slow flight time at maximum range, and its requirement for line-of-sight to the target.
Can the 9M133 Kornet be countered?
Yes, the 9M133 Kornet can be countered by using active protection systems, such as the Trophy APS, and by employing terrain and weather conditions to disrupt its guidance system.
What is the future outlook for the 9M133 Kornet?
The 9M133 Kornet is likely to remain a key player in the Iran conflict, with its effectiveness in anti-tank warfare making it a valuable asset for asymmetric warfare.