Demand for portable and portable anti-tank systems grew last year and continued to grow in 2019, with many countries ordering a wide variety of systems. Among the highest priority areas of development are ammunition and reducing the mass of launchers, since the efforts of developers are aimed at increasing the accuracy, range and fire efficiency, as well as the mobility of such systems.
The development of portable systems is largely determined by the growing need for work in settlements or close combat conditions, as well as the upcoming withdrawal from service of the first generation of the widespread anti-tank complex Javelin FGM-148 in 2021. In addition, more accurate, longer-range ammunition largely defines the boundaries of research and development activities in the field of portable ATGMs.
The process of updating and modernizing ammunition, creating new types, as well as reducing the mass of blocks of aiming and launching equipment (BPPO) is actively underway, since more and more customers want to have smaller launchers that could be deployed in confined spaces.
Smart shot
A consequence of the great demand for increased accuracy and range is, for example, the Carl-Gustaf hand grenade launcher program, which is being jointly implemented by Raytheon and Saab. The project is a response to the needs of the US Special Operations Command for a new guided round for the Carl-Gustaf M4 and MZ 84 mm grenade launchers in an effort to increase the capabilities of their weapons for shooting from the shoulder. The Carl-Gustaf Munition semi-active laser homing ammunition, introduced in October 2018, will increase the system's effective fire range to 2,000 meters. A demonstration of the new technology to a select audience is due this year. “We want to launch three semi-active homing grenades at typical ranges,” said Mats Fagerberg of Saab USA. In September 2018, the US Army issued a contract for the joint implementation of the project, under which three firing tests are planned for typical targets, which will be held in Sweden in 2020.
The advanced warhead of the grenade is designed to penetrate light armor, fortified shelters and concrete structures while reducing indirect losses. A new grenade with an increased range will allow you to fire at targets from buildings or buildings. Thus, it is well suited for close combat and combat in the city. According to Fagerberg, this is something that will be in great demand in the future.
Saab is also developing a "smart" high-explosive fragmentation projectile, which will make full use of the intelligent elements built into the new version of the Saab M4. This will allow the fuse to be wirelessly programmed using data from the integrated fire control system.
As the date is steadily approaching the date of decommissioning the obsolete FGM-148, which operates on the principle of "fire-and-forget", which has been one of the main "workhorses" of the American military for many years, Raytheon continues to develop variants of the FGM-148F and G with the goal of replacement of outdated systems. For a G-indexed model, cost and weight savings are just as important as increased hit rates. An uncooled seeker is installed in the missile to improve detection, recognition and identification of targets, as well as to reduce the time of destruction. Weight is reduced by removing the battery cooling block and using it as an external subsystem.
It is assumed that the contract for the production of the warhead will be issued in 2021, which coincides with the terms of the decommissioning of the FGM-148. “When the Model G arrives in 2021, every single component of the system will be replaced,” confirmed Dean Barten, project manager for melee systems in the US Army. "The entire system will be completely replaced and although it still bears the Javelin name, this is not the Javelin that entered the army in 1996."
In addition, in May 2018, the US military signed a contract for the supply of about 2,000 new missiles in variant F. This variant was developed by Javelin JV, a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. The new universal warhead increases the capabilities of the Javelin missile system in the fight against unarmored targets without reducing the fire efficiency when fighting traditional armored targets. "This warhead retains the same firepower when working on armored vehicles, but in addition to this, we have increased action power in the fight against infantry and unarmored vehicles," Barten said.
During the tests of the rocket in version F, which took place in 2016, its warhead did not detonate, and therefore the development and testing of the rocket in early 2017 were suspended. Following an investigation, tests were resumed in March 2017.
The French missile MMP (Missile Medium Range), which is a further development of MBDA Missile Systems' Milan, also focused on flexibility, low cost and accuracy. The MMP missile system is a response to the needs of the French army programs - for FELIN combat equipment and the modernization and integration of Scorpion armored vehicles.
SMR should reduce indirect losses in a complex combat space due to the operator's work in the control loop and fiber-optic channel. In addition, a navigation function is integrated into the missile, which allows it to aim at a target outside the line of sight. In the modern information-centric space, these possibilities can be expanded through the introduction of the latest technologies.
As in the case of the Javelin FGM-148F complex, the MMP universal warhead can operate in two selectable modes: armor-piercing or concrete-piercing. The developer expects cost savings to be possible through integration and excellent practical interoperability with other systems. MMR is only the first missile in the promising family of ground and air-launched missiles from MBDA. The missiles of the family will have a body of the same diameter and a general architecture that meets the General Missile Architecture standard, which reduces development risks and minimizes cost.
Influence of design
As the accuracy of missiles increases and their range increases, BPPOs are also being improved, especially in terms of reducing mass and improving aiming capabilities. In addition, the development focuses on reducing the cost of ownership, which is achieved, among other things, by increasing the level of compatibility of various systems, which gives the military additional benefits.
The FGM-148F and FGM-148G systems are being improved. Efforts to reduce mass and the use of modern technologies such as miniature electronics are expected to enhance the capabilities of missiles on the battlefield.
A Raytheon spokesperson noted that the development of the BCP is aimed at “increasing capabilities and simplifying logistics … In the case of lightweight units, special attention is paid to reducing the physical and cognitive load on the soldier. That is why we are making them lighter, more compact and increasing the targeting range."
For Saab, the weight savings are the result of downsizing and the use of new materials. The new version of the Carl-Gustaf M4 grenade launcher began to weigh 7 kg, while the previous version of the MZ weighs 10 kg. According to Fagerberg, this was achieved by "using titanium for the barrel liner and venturi nozzle (the previous versions were steel), as well as introducing an improved carbon fiber casing into the structure, while the launch tube became shorter." Another difference from the MZ is that the operator of the M4 grenade launcher can adjust the front grip and shoulder rest, as well as carry it loaded. Sights of different types are available for the system: mechanical, collimator, telescopic and intelligent.
Saab also hopes to make the Carl-Gustaf M4 more affordable and cost-effective for customers through its "readiness for future programmable ammunition" (several types of shells are currently being developed), while maintaining full compatibility with existing Carl-Gustaf grenades. The current set includes four armor-piercing shells, four universal or concrete-piercing shells, three antipersonnel shells, smoke and lighting shells. In addition, there are 84-mm practical grenades of two types and training ammunition of 20 mm and 7, 62 mm caliber.
“Compatibility with previous versions is a mandatory design parameter, which means that the user will always be able to fire new ammunition from his existing launchers. In this way, the user can always upgrade his Carl-Gustaf system at a minimum cost."
- explained Fagerberg.
Increased range and reduced weight are also integral characteristics of the Indian MPATGM (Man-Portable Antitank Guided Missile) ATGM. The Indian Defense Research and Development Organization has announced successful test launches of the MPATGM missile for the second time in March 2019 at the proving ground in the Rajasthan desert. According to the Indian Ministry of Defense, all the tasks set during the tests were completed, the missiles accurately hit the intended targets from different distances.
The missile's flight range is from 200 to 2500 meters, it can be fired in the cold start mode from closed spaces. The MPATGM complex with a mass of 14.5 kg is distinguished by a rocket with an advanced radio-thermal imaging seeker and an integrated electronic control unit, as well as a removable BPPO.
Saab believes that the renewed focus on military action in settlements means that the addition of a guided projectile to the Carl-Gustaf portfolio is completely logical and timely.
"Extended range, accurate targeting and confined space firing are critical components of the future capabilities of our portable support weapons,"
- declared Fagerberg.
A representative from Rafael agreed with this statement:
“There is a great need to increase the flight range, increase fire efficiency in the fight against a variety of targets, reduce the weight of the missile and improve interaction for network-centric combat. In addition, users today really want to have a multispectral target tracking function for reliable capture, allowing them to track targets simultaneously in the infrared and visible ranges."
To order
The demand for portable weapons systems has grown significantly over the past year or two, as evidenced by the numerous orders placed by the armies of many countries.
The Javelin JV joint venture was awarded a $ 307 million contract in July 2018 to modify its weapon system and sell it to Australia, Estonia, Lithuania, Taiwan, Turkey and Ukraine. In February 2019, the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense announced additional missiles to be purchased for the Javelin anti-tank systems.
In addition, at the end of 2018, Carl-Gustaf grenade launchers were purchased by Latvia and Slovenia, and also ordered by another unnamed country. Saab also sold Carl-Gustaf M4 grenade launchers to the US Army at the end of last year for $ 19 million. Deliveries of the M4 variant under the designation MZE1 began at the beginning of 2019 and will go on for three years.
In July 2018, the company also received an order to supply the army with additional AT4 Confined Space Reduced Sensitivity (CS RS) anti-tank manual systems. “The Saab AT4 CS RS complex is designed mainly for urban conditions and the jungle. We believe that the importance of hostilities will only grow in the future. In urban conditions, it is imperative to be able to fire from confined spaces, which is why the AT4CS is so popular on the market, Fagerberg explained. - The need for even more accurate weapons systems will only grow, not only in order to capture and hit targets at increased ranges, but also to eliminate the risk of indirect losses at short distances. Our engineers are looking at how we can improve systems for future combat missions, and increased accuracy is one of the important elements in the development of such systems.
The AT4 disposable light grenade launcher, which is an auxiliary system designed to combat armored targets, is carried on the soldier's back and, if necessary, can be quickly prepared for firing. In May 2018, the United States also officially approved the sale of 210 missiles and 37 launchers to Ukraine for a total of about $ 47 million.
Integrated solutions
Equally important is the ease of installation and integration of weapons systems into large platforms, in which the armies of a number of countries have significantly succeeded to date.
For example, the Javelin complexes were installed on the Stryker armored vehicles of the American army. The first batch of Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicles-Dragoon platforms were delivered to the 2nd Reconnaissance Regiment based in Germany. A company spokesman commented on this: "The manual configuration or the transportable configuration of the rocket is really no different … this allows the Javelin weapon system to be used in a more flexible manner."
The Australian company Electro Optic Systems (EOS) unveiled its T2000 tower in March 2019, which was created for the global market and is currently offered for three programs, one of which is Australia's Land 400 Phase 3.
The tower is equipped with two Rafael Spike LR2 ATGMs in a retractable launcher located under the protection of armor, while it can be equipped with Javelin missiles. The Spike LR2 missile, compatible with previous versions, can be equipped with a tandem cumulative warhead, the armor-piercing capabilities of which have been increased by more than 30%, or a new universal high-explosive fragmentation warhead with a remote fuse.
“The universal warhead has an intelligent fuse, which allows the shooter, depending on the type of target, to choose the detonation mode. A projectile of this type includes a nasal leading charge capable of penetrating a reinforced concrete wall 20 cm thick. Following the opening, the main warhead flies in and detonates inside the shelter. The shooter can choose the air blast mode to destroy the rebels in the open. In this mode, two warheads detonate at a given point at the same time, forming a large engagement zone on the ground and effectively neutralizing manpower."
“The T2000 tower was created from the ground up as a platform designed to support new surveillance, protection and fire efficiency systems, fully integrated into a single space. The tower, which is a next-generation system, interfaces with a standard interface,"
- added a representative of the EOS company.
"EOS will compete with its tower for the needs of Australia and its allies, with over $ 700 million in bids already submitted in early 2019."
The tower will initially be manufactured in Canberra and will begin production in late 2019. EOS is currently selecting a site for the new plant from several options, including the states of South Australia and Queensland.
As part of the Australian Land 400 Phase 2 project, the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV) 8x8 will be equipped with Rafael Spike LR ATGM installations in addition to the weapons modules of Kongsberg (Block I vehicles) and EOS (Block II vehicles) and an active protection. “The Spike ATGM, like all other subsystems for the Boxer, is undergoing an examination under the Land 400 Phase 2 project. These examinations are carried out in accordance with the expectations of the Ministry of Defense and the schedule agreed with Rheinmetall, the Australian Defense Ministry spokesman confirmed. The first deliveries are expected in 2020 with completion in 2026.
ATGM Spike has already been integrated into 45 different platforms. This accumulated data will enable Rafael to assist Rheinmetall and facilitate the integration of the Spike LR2 into the Lance turret. In addition, the Spike LR1 has already been integrated and qualified for the Lance turret installed on the Puma infantry fighting vehicle of the German army, which will make it possible to seamlessly integrate the LR2 version of the missile into the vehicle's armament complex.
Alternative platforms
As in the case of the Australian Boxer armored vehicle program, the Romanian Ministry of Defense is also looking at increasing the firepower of the Piranha V 8x8 wheeled armored vehicle manufactured by General Dynamics European Land Systems. She will be armed with a coaxial 7, 62-mm machine gun and a launch container with two ATGMs. However, the Romanian military has not yet chosen their ATGM.
Finally, the Turkish company Roketsan has developed the Mizrak-O or OMTAS medium-range anti-tank guided missile in order to meet the needs of the Turkish army for an ATGM that could be used in a dismounted version, as well as launched from a vehicle. This program is part of a project on a mobile anti-tank complex, which is currently being implemented; Recently, an experimental Pars 4x4 platform with Mizrak-O missiles was presented before qualification tests.
Mizrak-O has a valid range of 200 meters to 4 km and can be launched day and night in the following modes: "fire-forget", "fire-perform correction", target lock before launch, target lock after launch, direct attack and attack from above … The tandem warhead is equipped with an infrared homing head and can engage heavily armored vehicles. In dismounted operations, a 35 kg missile is launched from a 36 kg tripod, which includes an aiming module with day and thermal imaging cameras.
In July 2018, Roketsan completed the qualification of the OMTAS missile production line and its readiness for serial production. In January 2019, a contract was announced between Roketsan and Aselsan for the supply of an unnamed number of infrared seeker for OMTAS missiles, slated for 2019-2024.
In the future, anti-tank systems of this type may well be integrated into uninhabited platforms. For example, at the IDEX 2019 exhibition, Milrem Robotics' THeMIS remotely controlled vehicle (ROV) was shown with an IMPACT (Integrated MMP Precision Attack Combat Turret) installation, armed with two fifth-generation MMP missiles and a machine gun. This all strongly resembles the situation with the Russian multipurpose robotic complex "Uran-9", designed to perform counter-terrorism and combat missions. In the basic configuration, the vehicle, presented in 2016, is equipped with the ATGM ATGM.
The advantages of the DUM are obvious - it increases the safety of the soldier, since, using a wireless and wired connection, it can be deployed from a safe distance. In the THeMIS MMP configuration, the system will have low thermal and acoustic signatures, so the platform can remain invisible during the task. “This combination of two state-of-the-art technologies is a very good demonstration of how, in the future, robotic armed systems will disintegrate the battlefield and render some traditional technologies obsolete,” said a Milrem Robotics spokesman.
"Our uninhabited ground combat system, developed in conjunction with MBDA, will be able to very effectively ensure the safety of our forces and will significantly increase the ability to combat tanks, as well as any other ground targets,"
he added. However, currently there are no customers for the armed THeMIS platform.
Since modern armies see uninhabited systems as a means of increasing the safety of their soldiers and a factor in increasing combat capabilities, it is likely that anti-tank guided missiles will have bright prospects and sustainable development in the future.
