Russian defense company Kalashnikov Concern (known until 2013 as the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant) has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing its 2023 obligations outlined in the state contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense for the provision of Vikhr-1 guided missiles. This accomplishment, completed ahead of schedule, underwent rigorous control flight tests, affirming absolute adherence to the contract stipulations. Vikhr-1 guided missiles represent a formidable arsenal, strategically engineered for obliterating adversary armored vehicles, fortifications, as well as maneuvering ground and low-speed air targets. Having already demonstrated exceptional efficacy during operations in Ukraine, the Vikhr-1 missiles have been an integral asset in the Russian Armed Forces’ arsenal since their induction in 2015.
“Much work has been done, and Vikhr is now demonstrating high efficiency in the SMO zone. There is a market for this product as well as room for improvement. There is still something to be gained in terms of warhead capabilities and range. The state defense order obligations for this year have been fulfilled, but the missile’s improvement keeps going on,” stated Alan Lushnikov, Kalashnikov Concern’s president.
The 9K121 Vikhr (NATO reporting name: AT-16 Scallion) is a Soviet laser-beam-riding anti-tank missile. “9K121” is the GRAU designation for the missile system. The missile can be launched from warships, Ka-50 and Ka-52 helicopters, and Su-25T aircraft. With a firing range extending up to an impressive 10 kilometers and an astounding speed exceeding 600 meters per second, these missiles boast unparalleled efficiency. It was first shown publicly at the 1992 Farnborough Airshow. 9A1472 Vikhr-1 is an pgraded version of 9K121 Vikhr. Supplies to the Russian troops started in 2015. The Vikhr-1 missile, an integral component of the Vikhr-M system, is equipped with an advanced automatic sight and launcher, a product of refinement since its adoption in 1990, culminating in a recent upgrade in 2021.
The Vikhr-1 guided missile system is designed to engage enemy fortifications and armored vehicles, as well as moving targets on land and in the air. The missile can travel a maximum of 10 kilometers at a speed of more than 600 meters per second. These missiles are carried by Ka-52 Alligator reconnaissance/attack helicopters. Anti-tank armament comprises twelve Vikhr-1 laser-guided anti-tank missiles, with a maximum range of some 10 km. The laser guidance is reported to be virtually jam-proof and the system features automatic guidance to target, enabling evasive action immediately after missile launch, alternatively it can also use Ataka laser-guided anti-tank missiles. Before firing laser-guided missiles it often must hover a few hundred feet off the ground to direct a laser at a target, leaving itself briefly exposed. The missiles showed excellent efficiency during the special military operation. Continuous missile supplies to the Russian armed forces have been made since 2015.
