The 9M133 Kornet, often referred to simply as Kornet, is a Russian-made anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system developed by the KBP Instrument Design Bureau. Introduced in the mid-1990s, it was designed to replace older systems such as the 9K111 Fagot and the 9K113 Konkurs, providing a more powerful, longer-range, and more versatile alternative.
Development and Early Deployment:
The Kornet system was officially adopted by the Russian military in 1998, following years of research and development aimed at countering modern main battle tanks (MBTs) equipped with reactive armor and advanced protection systems. It was designed to engage both armored vehicles and fortified positions with a high degree of precision. The system consists of a missile launcher and a laser-guided missile, which can be carried by infantry or mounted on vehicles.
Key Features:
- Laser guidance: The Kornet uses a semi-automatic command to line-of-sight (SACLOS) laser beam-riding guidance system, where the operator keeps the target in sight, and the missile follows the laser beam to its target.
- Warhead versatility: The Kornet can be equipped with a tandem high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead capable of penetrating explosive reactive armor (ERA), or a thermobaric warhead for use against soft targets, bunkers, and infantry positions.
- Range: Its effective range extends from 100 meters to 5.5 kilometers, making it one of the longer-range ATGMs in service.
Combat Use:
The Kornet has seen extensive combat use across multiple conflict zones since its introduction. It has been widely exported and used in conflicts such as:
- Iraq War (2003): Iraqi forces employed Kornet missiles against U.S. and coalition armor with some notable successes.
- Second Lebanon War (2006): Hezbollah used Kornets with great effect against Israeli tanks, particularly the Merkava. It proved capable of penetrating even the early Merkava’s, however, the newer Mk.4 model was minimally damaged and field repaired, with only 2 being destroyed, leading to minimal Israeli tank losses.
- Syrian Civil War (2011–present): Various factions have used Kornet systems, including Syrian government forces and rebel groups. Its ability to destroy tanks, bunkers, and other fortifications made it a key weapon in urban and rural combat.
Modern Variants:
Over the years, the Kornet has undergone several updates and modernizations:
- Kornet-E: The export version of the missile system, sold to numerous countries, including Algeria, Turkey, and India.
- Kornet-EM: A more recent upgrade featuring an improved range of up to 10 kilometers and enhanced guidance for increased accuracy. The Kornet-EM also includes an automatic tracking system, reducing the need for manual operator guidance.
Global Impact:
The Kornet system is considered one of the most effective ATGM systems in the world and is in service with numerous countries, including Russia, Syria, Iraq, and others. It has been both praised and feared for its capability to destroy even the most modern tanks and vehicles, reshaping the tactics used in tank warfare and counter-insurgency operations.
In summary, the 9M133 Kornet has established itself as a formidable anti-tank system through its widespread use, versatile capabilities, and ability to penetrate advanced armor, maintaining its relevance in modern warfare for over two decades.
General Specifications:
- Designation: 9M133 Kornet
- Type: Anti-tank guided missile (ATGM)
- Country of Origin: Russia
- Manufacturer: KBP Instrument Design Bureau
Missile:
- Missile Length: 1,200 mm (47.2 in)
- Missile Diameter: 152 mm (5.98 in)
- Missile Weight: 29 kg (64 lbs) with launcher
- Missile Weight (in transport-launch canister): 31 kg (68.3 lbs)
Performance:
- Guidance System: Semi-automatic command to line-of-sight (SACLOS) laser beam-riding
- Propulsion: Solid-fuel rocket motor
- Warhead Type:
- Tandem high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) for armored vehicles
- Thermobaric warhead for fortified structures and soft targets
- Warhead Weight: 7 kg (15.4 lbs)
- Armor Penetration:
- Tandem HEAT warhead: Up to 1,200 mm (47 in) of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) behind explosive reactive armor (ERA)
- Maximum Effective Range:
- Kornet-E: 100 meters to 5.5 kilometers
- Kornet-EM: Up to 10 kilometers (with improved targeting and guidance)
- Minimum Range: 100 meters
System and Launcher:
- Launcher Type: Tripod or vehicle-mounted
- Launcher Weight (tripod): 26 kg (57 lbs)
- Operational Crew: 2 (gunner and loader)
Operational Characteristics:
- Deployment Time: Quick setup and breakdown (less than 1 minute)
- Fire Control: Day and night thermal sights available
- Firing Rate: Multiple shots in rapid succession with manual reloading
These specifications make the 9M133 Kornet a highly versatile and potent system capable of taking on a wide range of armored targets, including modern main battle tanks (MBTs) equipped with reactive and composite armor.
Vehicle-Mounted Systems:
- Tigr-M (Kornet-D Variant):
- The Tigr-M armored vehicle has a variant that carries the Kornet-D system. The Kornet-D is an upgraded version of the missile, capable of engaging both land and air targets (such as helicopters). This vehicle-mounted system provides enhanced mobility and firepower in combat zones.
- BMP-3 (Kornet-EM Upgrade):
- The BMP-3, a Russian infantry fighting vehicle, has been modified to carry the Kornet-EM missiles as part of a modernization package. This integration boosts the BMP-3’s ability to engage tanks and other armored vehicles at extended ranges.
- GAZ-2975 Tigr:
- Another variant of the Tigr armored vehicle family is equipped with the Kornet system. This vehicle is lightweight, fast, and can operate in urban and rugged terrains, providing Kornet missile capability in quick-deployment scenarios.
- MT-LB:
- The MT-LB, a Soviet-era multi-purpose tracked vehicle, has been adapted to carry the Kornet missile system. This integration enhances its ability to operate in adverse terrain and environments while delivering anti-armor capability.
- BTR-80/82:
- The BTR-80/82, an 8x8 wheeled armored personnel carrier, has seen variants equipped with Kornet missile launchers. This combination provides infantry with armored mobility and long-range anti-tank capabilities.
- T-15 Armata:
- The T-15 Armata heavy infantry fighting vehicle, part of the Armata Universal Combat Platform, has integrated Kornet missile launchers. This provides the vehicle with significant anti-tank firepower in addition to its other armament.
- BRDM-2 (Kornet-E Upgrade):
- The BRDM-2, an older Soviet reconnaissance vehicle, has been upgraded in some variants to carry Kornet missiles. This enhances the vehicle’s ability to act as a mobile anti-armor platform.
- BMP-2M (Berezhok):
- The BMP-2 is quite old, and its age has started to show for a while. Intended for the purpose of being an IFV, it carries a 30mm 2A42 dual feed automatic cannon, a 30mm VOG-30 automatic grenade launcher, and four 9M133’s ready to fire, and 4 to reload. The original BMP-2 only sported a 2A42 automatic cannon and 9M113 Konkurs.
- BTR-90M Berzhok:
- The BTR-90, based on the BTR-80, which its original model only sported a 14.5mm heavy machine gun, later upgraded to a 30mm 2A72. This model is the upgraded BRT-90, outfitted with a Berzhok weapon system, (A 2A42, VOG-30, and four 9M133 + Missile reload) this allows it to be more efficient than the previous models due to its enhanced capabilities.
- BMD-3”M” Berzhok:
- Based on the BMD-3 chassis, which usually sports a standard BMP-2 turret, had been upgraded, this upgrade includes the same Berzhok system of the BMP-2M. This increased the effectiveness of the turret due to the enhanced capabilities of the hull it was now mounted to.
- BMD-2M:
- Based on the BMD-1/2 chassis’s, it sports a 30mm 2A42 automatic cannon in a smaller sized turret. With two 9M133’s on the right hand side of the turret, and one to two reloads of the launchers.
- BTR-T Modular Heavy APC:
- Based on the T-55 chassis, it was heavily updated with KONTAKT-5 ERA, and more steel, having a frontal armor profile of up to 600mm. Being on the basis of being a modular system, the BTR-T has the ability to have different turrets be put in. The one specific to the 9M133 only had a NSVT machine gun mounted in a box, opposite of the Kornet. Visible in a diagram that shows the turrets that could be swapped lower in the article.
Helicopter-Mounted Systems:
- Mi-28N “Night Hunter”:
- The Mi-28N, a Russian attack helicopter, can carry Kornet missiles in some configurations. This provides it with a potent anti-tank and anti-fortification capability.
- Ka-52 “Alligator”:
- The Ka-52, another advanced Russian attack helicopter, can be equipped with Kornet missiles for use in anti-armor roles, giving it long-range precision strike capability against ground targets.
