The Ukrainian Armed Forces have unveiled an "interesting specimen" of an anti-tank missile system for the first time, according to Defense Express.

The Ukrainian military demonstrated the firing process of the self-propelled anti-tank complex "Shturm-S" based on the MT-LB. This anti-tank guided missile system was modernized in Ukraine.

This was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing Defense Express.

As the publication notes, the mere fact of releasing a video featuring the anti-tank complex is an interesting event. It marks the first time since the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion that the use of "Shturm-S" has been showcased, even if just during combat training.

It is still unclear how exactly Ukraine acquired the anti-tank system, but a certain number of enemy "Shturm-S" units were captured by the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

However, the report from the 23rd Separate Mechanized Brigade indicates that the video features the basic version of "Shturm-S." It is designed to utilize Soviet-made 9M114 "Kokon" anti-tank missiles. These missiles have a range of up to 5 kilometers and can be employed against armored vehicles and fortified positions.

Nonetheless, Defense Express pointed out another aspect - the Armed Forces of Ukraine stated that "the upgrades conducted by Ukrainian specialists significantly enhance its effectiveness by adding modern guidance systems and munitions."

This likely hints at the upgraded "Shturm-SM," which was previously mentioned by the Ministry of Defense. However, no public data about it has emerged since then.

What is known about "Shturm-SM"

The development of this anti-tank complex began even before the full-scale Russian invasion and was first presented during the "Arms and Security-2021" exhibition.

At that time, two fundamental features of "Shturm-SM" were known - the integration of guided missiles RK-2P from the GKKB "Luch" instead of the Soviet 9M114 anti-tank missiles, and the installation of a new optoelectronic station from the "Izyum Instrument-Making Plant."

These enhancements allowed targeting at distances of 6-7 kilometers at any time of day or night. However, the current configuration of the "Shturm-SM" project remains publicly unknown.

At the same time, the 23rd Brigade announced the following characteristics of "Shturm-S":

• range of engagement: up to 5 km.
• target types: tanks, BMPs, fortifications, helicopters.
• mobility: rapid deployment and movement on the battlefield thanks to the tracked platform.
• accuracy: high targeting precision due to the semi-automatic control system.

They also noted that with modern missiles, "Shturm-S" can engage even the most protected Russian tanks, including the T-90. The tracked chassis allows the complex to operate in challenging off-road conditions, which is currently relevant for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Additionally, it is claimed that "Shturm-S" can act as a powerful fire shield, covering advances or defenses. It allows operations from a safe distance, reducing risk to the crew.

"Even in its basic version, the complex performs tasks, but the upgrades carried out by Ukrainian specialists significantly enhance its effectiveness by adding modern guidance systems and munitions," the statement said.

Weapon Production in Ukraine

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that everything possible would be done in Ukraine to improve domestic artillery production.

Meanwhile, Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov recently mentioned that three analogs of the Chinese Mavic drone have been developed in Ukraine.