Skif (anti-tank guided missile)

The Skif consists of a tripod, missile container, PDU-215 remote control panel, guidance device, and thermographic camera (thermal imager).[2][1]

The PDU-215 control panel is a briefcase-like laptop computer with a control panel, holding a small joystick and a flat-panel display, that is connected to the firing unit by a cable, allowing it be used at distances up to 50 metres away. Two firing modes are available: manual, and fire-and-forget. Fire-and-forget provides automatic control of the missile flight using a targeting laser beam.[1]

A three to four-person team is optimal for deploying the Skif. Operators require specially-made backpacks. Once the missile is fired, the operator controls the Skif and corrects the aim when needed, by using the joystick on the remote control. The Skif's system has a shelf life of 15 years. The missiles have a 10-year shelf life.

The system comes complete with 130 mm and 152 mm caliber missiles in transport and launching containers. Tandem charge high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) RK-2S warheads might be able to counter medium weight main battle tanks such as the T-90A with penetration of 800 mm behind ERA. RK-2M-K warheads might be able to counter heavy main battle tanks such as M1 Abrams with their penetration of 1100 mm behind ERA. The system also includes high explosive (HE) fragmentation RK-2OF and RK-2М-OF warheads to attack infantry positions and light armored vehicles. The system can use all four types of missiles with no modification. The system's thermal imager can be used during night operations.[2][1]

The system has four types of missiles in two different calibers.[2][1]

A Ukrainian three men anti-tank team moving on foot in a winter maneuver, carrying Stugna-P ATGM

The missile system was used during the pre-2022 Russo-Ukrainian War by Ukrainian forces following first deliveries in 2018.[11] However, it gained wider prominence against Russian Army forces during the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine, alongside anti-tank systems provided by NATO countries such as the FGM-148 Javelin (US), NLAW (UK), and Panzerfaust 3 (Germany).[12] On April 5, 2022, Ukrainian forces used the missile system to down a Russian Kamov Ka-52 attack helicopter.[13]

As the war has moved to the Donbas. Fighting has changed from wooded areas to open plains. The missile has been fitted light vehicles to make it mobile. The Stugna-P is being used in the same way US forces used the TOW missile system in the 1980s and the Gulf War Desert Patrol Vehicle. It’s increased range gives it an edge over the NLAW and Javelin missiles. On 25 April, near Izyum, during one engagement four tanks were destroyed in 4 minutes by the same Stugna-P operator.[14][15] The Skif missile is also some three times cheaper to manufacture than the Javelin missile.[16]

Many of the missiles were to be exported to Middle Eastern countries. However upon the outbreak of war these export models were used by Ukrainian soldiers. In the video the operator appears to aim the sight just above the target until the missile is launched. In an effort to avoid painting the target with a laser, the operator appears to aim above the tank, then at the target once the missile is in view. Using targeting reticle to steer the missile mid-flight.[17][18]

Armored car Otokar Cobra of the Azerbaijani army, equipped with ATGM Skif

•  Azerbaijan
•  Algeria[19]
•  Saudi Arabia[20]
•  Myanmar[21]
•  Georgia
•  Ukraine[1]
•  Morocco[22]
•  Qatar[23]

• Shershen
• 9M133 Kornet
• OMTAS