As the publication notes, the very fact of publishing a video with an anti-tank system is already an interesting event. After all, it is the first time since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation that the use of the Sturm-S has been demonstrated, even if only during combat training.
It is not yet known how exactly Ukraine received ATGMs, but a certain number of enemy Shturm-S were obtained by members of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
However, the note from the 23rd Separate Mechanized Brigade indicates that the basic version of the Sturm-S is shown in the video. It is designed to use Soviet 9M114 Cocoon anti-tank missiles. These missiles have a firing range of up to 5 kilometers and can be used to destroy armored vehicles and fortify targets.
But Defense Express drew attention to something else – the Ukrainian Armed Forces said that “the modernizations carried out by Ukrainian specialists significantly increase its effectiveness by adding modern guidance systems and ammunition.”
This is likely a hint to the modernized Sturm-SM, as previously reported by the Ministry of Defense. But since then, there has been no further public information about him.
What is known about the “Sturm-SM”
The creation of this ATGM began even before the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation and was first presented during the Arms and Security 2021 exhibition.
At that time, two basic features of the Shturm-SM were known – the integration of RK-2P guided missiles from the Luch State Design Bureau instead of the Soviet 9M114 anti-tank missiles, and the installation of a new optical-electronic station from the Izyum instrument manufacturing plant.
They made it possible to hit targets at a distance of 6-7 kilometers at any time of the day. But the current configuration of the Shturm-SM project remains publicly unknown.
At the same time in the 23rd Brigade the following characteristics were announced “Sturm-S”
- destruction range: up to 5 km.
- type of target: tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, fortifications, helicopters.
- mobility: quickly deploy and move on the battlefield thanks to the tracked platform.
- accuracy: high aiming accuracy thanks to a semi-automatic control system.
They also said that thanks to modern Shturm-S missiles, it can hit even the most protected tanks of the Russian Federation, including the T-90. And the tracked chassis allows the complex to be used in difficult terrain conditions, which is now important for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Additionally, it is stated that the Sturm-S can act as a powerful fire shield, covering the offensive or defensive. It allows you to work at a safe distance, reducing the risk to the crew.
“Even in the basic version, the complex performs its tasks, but upgrades carried out by Ukrainian specialists significantly increase its effectiveness by adding modern guidance systems and ammunition,” the statement said.
Arms production in Ukraine
Earlier, President Vladimir Zelensky said that Ukraine would do everything to improve its own production of weapons.
