Summary and Key Points: The Russian-made 9M133 Kornet (NATO designation AT-14 Spriggan) is a highly effective anti-tank guided missile system, introduced in 1998 to counter advancements in Western armor.
-Developed by KBP Instrument Design Bureau, it features a tandem HEAT warhead capable of penetrating reactive armor and up to 1,200mm of armor plating.
-The missile uses semi-automatic laser guidance, requiring operators to maintain line-of-sight but providing exceptional accuracy.
-Widely deployed globally, notably in conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, and Lebanon, the Kornet demonstrates superior range and penetration compared to competitors.
-Despite some operational vulnerabilities, its lethal capabilities against advanced armor make it a significant battlefield threat.
Kornet Is Russia’s Ukraine Tank-Killer
The 9M133 Kornet, also known by its NATO reporting name AT-14 Spriggan, is a Russian man-portable anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system. Developed by the KBP Instrument Design Bureau, it was first introduced into service with the Russian army in 1998.
The Kornet has since become one of the most capable and widely used ATGMs in the world, known for its effectiveness against heavily armored vehicles and its versatility in various combat scenarios.
Development and Design
The Kornet missile system was developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a response to the advancements in Western armor technology. The goal was to create a modular, universal system capable of engaging a wide range of targets from different platforms using a reliable laser beam guidance system. The Kornet was designed to be a heavy ATGM, superior to earlier wire-guided systems like the 9K111 Fagot (NATO: AT-4 Spigot) and 9K113 Konkurs (NATO: AT-5 Spandrel), but not intended to replace them due to cost considerations.
The missile system was unveiled in October 1994 and entered service in 1998. It has since been further developed into the 9M133 Kornet-EM, which features increased range, an improved warhead, and an automatic target tracker for fire-and-forget capability.
Specifications and Capabilities
The Kornet missile system is known for its impressive specifications and capabilities. The basic 9M133 Kornet missile has a mass of 27 kg (29 kg with launch tube) and a length of 1200 mm. It is equipped with a tandem high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead designed to defeat explosive reactive armor (ERA). The missile can penetrate up to 1,200 mm of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) after ERA.
The Kornet-EM variant extends the operational range to 8,000 meters for anti-tank missions and 10,000 meters for high-explosive missions. The guidance system uses a semi-automatic command to line-of-sight (SACLOS) laser beam-riding method, which requires the operator to maintain line-of-sight with the target throughout the missile’s flight. This guidance system provides significant accuracy and reliability.
Operational Use and Effectiveness
The Kornet has been widely exported and used in numerous conflicts around the world, demonstrating its effectiveness against a variety of targets. It was first used in combat during the 2003 invasion of Iraq and has since seen action in conflicts such as the 2006 Lebanon War, the Syrian Civil War, and the Russo-Ukrainian War.
One of the key strengths of the Kornet system is its versatility. It can be deployed from a variety of platforms, including individual soldiers, vehicles, and dedicated tank destroyers like the 9P163M-1 Kornet-T. This flexibility allows it to be used in a wide range of tactical scenarios, from ambushes to direct engagements with enemy armor.
The Kornet’s tandem HEAT warhead is particularly effective against modern main battle tanks (MBTs) equipped with ERA. The missile’s ability to penetrate thick armor and its extended range make it a formidable weapon on the battlefield.
The Kornet has been used extensively in the current Russo-Ukrainian war and to great effect. Because of its range and its powerful warhead, the Kornet has proven to be a deadly opponent to Ukraine’s tanks, even the highly protected western made equipment like the M1 Abrams. Though not as prolific as Russia’s FPV drones, the Kornet is just as, if not more deadly.
The Kornet vs the American Javelin
When comparing the Kornet to other anti-tank missile systems, such as the American Javelin, several key differences and similarities emerge. The Javelin, developed by Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, is known for its top-attack feature fire-and-forget capability, which allows the operator to fire the missile and then take cover immediately. This feature provides a significant tactical advantage in terms of operator safety.
In contrast, the Kornet’s SACLOS guidance system requires the operator to maintain line-of-sight with the target, which can expose them to enemy fire. However, the Kornet compensates for this with its longer range and higher penetration capabilities. The Kornet-EM variant, for example, has a maximum range of 8,000 meters, compared to the Javelin’s 4,000 meters.
Both systems have proven effective in combat, but their different design philosophies reflect the strategic priorities of their respective developers. The Javelin’s emphasis on operator safety and ease of use makes it well-suited for infantry units, while the Kornet’s focus on range and penetration power makes it a valuable asset for anti-armor operations.
Why the Kornet Should be Taken Seriously
The widespread use of the Kornet missile system has significant strategic implications for the U.S. and its allies. Its ability to defeat advanced armor and its versatility in various combat scenarios make it a valuable tool for both state and non-state actors. The Kornet has been used by a variety of armed forces and militant groups, including Hezbollah and Hamas, highlighting its accessibility and effectiveness.
The 9M133 Kornet anti-tank missile system is a significant advancement in anti-armor technology and a major threat to western armor. Its combination of range, penetration power, and versatility has made it one of the most effective and widely used ATGMs used by Russia. While it has some limitations compared to other systems like the Javelin, its strengths make it a formidable weapon nonetheless.
About the Author: Isaac Seitz
Isaac Seitz, a Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
