Russia Prepares Kornet-D Armored Vehicles to Hunt Down Leopard 2 and Bradley In Ukraine

The Russian Ministry of Defense has released information on June 9, 2023, regarding the readiness of armored vehicles carrying Kornet -D anti-tank missiles as hunters for opposing combat vehicles.

Using the GAZ-2975 Tigr-M base, this vehicle is positioned as a 'game-changer' in the fight against Ukraine's Bradley IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicles) and Leopard 2 MBT (Main Battle Tank).

In addition to fighting armored vehicles, Kornet-D can destroy fortified buildings where enemy troops are sheltering.

The Kornet-D is equipped with two sets of four 9M133M Kornet-M missile launchers each in Tandem-HEAT warhead variant.

The missile launcher system can be concealed inside the vehicle in a street position, requiring only seconds to deploy and immediately lock on to the target.

Each launcher is equipped with individual surveillance, tracking optical guidance systems, and the vehicle carries a total of 16 missiles (8 ready to launch and 8 in reserve).

One of the notable features of the Kornet-D is its ability to fire two missiles in less than one second, either on two separate targets or simultaneously on a single target.

This feature is designed to circumvent active protection systems. Where the first missile triggers the opposing tank's active protection system, allowing the second missile to reach the target.

Multiple missile launches also increase the probability of tank destruction when the target has no active protection systems.

With a maximum firing range of about 5.5 km and the ability to penetrate up to 1,200 millimeters (47 in) of armor.

The Kornet-D can operate in a variety of conditions, including inclement weather and off-road driving.