ATGM "Fagot" in Special Operations: old system and new ideas
Crew of the Fagot ATGM in the Kupyansk direction, December 2023.
The Russian army is armed with an anti-tank missile 9K111 Fagot complex. It was developed more than half a century ago, but is still in service. Proper use of this ATGM allows you to fully reveal its potential and compensate for its shortcomings. Fagot remains quite modern weapons, which is clearly confirmed during the Special Operation.
Combat application
The Fagot ATGM is in service with the Russian ground and airborne forces. Despite their age and the presence of more modern systems, these systems continue to be one of the main weapons of their class. The 9K111 products increase the firepower of units and help them fight enemy armored vehicles.
Since February 2022, Fagots have been actively used during the Special Operation to Protect Donbass. Crews of these ATGMs are present in almost all major army and airborne units and actively use their weapons against various targets.
The Ministry of Defense and unofficial channels regularly publish objective control videos with real episodes of combat use of "Fagots". In addition, full-fledged reports and interviews with crews appear. All these materials allow us to understand how exactly 9K111 are used in combat and what results they demonstrate.
An ATGM operator from an airborne unit prepares for launch, July 2024.
According to published materials, the Fagots are capable of hitting a wide range of targets. The guided missiles are used tanks and other armored vehicles. They also destroy other enemy vehicles and manpower, both in open spaces and in shelters. Fagots have been used repeatedly to destroy boats with landing forces.
Like other domestic ATGMs, Fagots are used in various situations. They are used to repel enemy attacks, knocking out their armored vehicles. In offensive actions, the missiles are used to destroy strongholds and fortifications to weaken the enemy's defense.
By now, the Fagot ATGM crews should have jointly destroyed a large number of different targets. Given the scale of their use, we can talk about thousands of destroyed armored vehicles, cars, strongholds and other objects. The special operation continues, and the Fagot combat score will only grow.
Useful experience
Combat use of the 9K111 ATGM in a major conflict against a numerous and technically advanced enemy demonstrated its real potential. These systems confirmed their characteristics and capabilities, and also allowed us to test their tactics in practice. Moreover, as they continue to be used, new ideas and solutions emerge that increase the effectiveness of combat operations and reduce risks.
The rocket has launched. The wires of the rocket control system are visible.
The special operation once again showed that the infantry ATGM crew must be mobile. Already in the first weeks and months, the fighters faced the problem of counterattacks. At first, the enemy tried to attack the missilemen's positions with mortars, and then attack UAVs were used.
The mobility problem is solved by using available vehicles. ATGM crews travel in various types of vehicles, which allows them to quickly arrive at the launch site and leave it before a retaliatory strike.
Recently, another method of reducing risks has become known. Several units have received "Fagots" equipped with an additional remote control system. Such devices allow the operator to be at a significant distance from the launcher and not be exposed to risks.
As the fighting continues, the range of targets that the 9K111 and other ATGM systems are working on changes. In the first months of the Special Operation, tanks had to be attacked regularly. However, over time, the share of such targets became smaller, and other armored objects began to be used more often. Apparently, there are fewer such targets now.
Due to its age, the Fagot ATGM has certain limitations when working against armored vehicles with a high level of protection. At the same time, light armored vehicles, such as armored personnel carriers or infantry fighting vehicles, remain a fairly simple target. Their armor is insufficient to protect against an anti-tank missile designed for more complex targets.
Preparing ATGMs in position
It can be assumed that the continued combat use of the Fagots and the expected change in the situation on the battlefield will lead to the accumulation of additional experience and the emergence of new ideas. The result of this will again be an increase in combat effectiveness and a reduction in risks for personnel.
Technical potential
The future ATGM 9K111 "Fagot" was developed in the late 60s at the Instrument-making Design Bureau (Tula) and the Central Research Institute of Precision Engineering (Klimovsk). All tests and modifications were completed by the end of the decade, and in 1970 the new system was accepted into service by the Soviet Army.
Subsequently, the Fagot ATGM was repeatedly modernized in order to improve its main tactical and technical characteristics. New versions of the 9M111 missile were created, and then the 9M113 Konkurs product was manufactured on its basis, which has higher performance indicators.
The main modifications of the Fagot ATGM are still in service with our army and are actively used in various situations. If earlier they were used only in exercises, then since 2022 they have become one of the main means for destroying Ukrainian armored vehicles.
Fighters of the Zapad group are ready to fire, August 2024.
The 9K111 product has a traditional architecture for domestic ATGMs. It consists of a portable 9P135 launcher on a tripod with a control unit and a transport and launch container with a 9M111 or 9M113 missile. The kit also includes various maintenance tools and other items.
The overall dimensions of the complex are determined by the dimensions of the TPK with the missile, which is about 1,1 m long. The launcher weighs 22,5 kg, and the missile in the container weighs 13,5 kg. It is carried in two packs: one holds the launcher, and the second contains two missiles.
The control unit on the launcher is equipped with optical means for target search and missile guidance. After launch, the operator must hold the aiming mark on the selected target, while the automation tracks the position of the missile and guides it along the line of sight, generating and sending the necessary commands.
The 9M111 series missiles are no more than 910 mm long and have a body diameter of 120 mm. The weight is about 11-13 kg. The tail section of the missile has planes that can be unfolded in flight. The 9M113 products have a similar design, but the caliber has been increased to 135 mm, which has increased the internal volume and improved other characteristics.
Deployment of ATGMs in the dark
The 9M111 missile is propelled by a solid-fuel engine. The maximum flight speed reaches 240 m/s. Early modifications had a flight range of 2 km, but as the design developed, this parameter increased. In the case of the 9M113M Konkurs-M missile, the range was increased to 4 km.
The missile control system is quite simple. There is a lamp in the tail of the missile, by which the launcher's automation tracks the missile's position. There is also a coil of wire on board for receiving commands sent to the steering machines.
All versions of the 9M111 and 9M113 missiles are equipped only with cumulative warheads. Initially, the penetration was 200 mm at an angle of 60°, but in new modifications this figure increased. "Konkurs-M" can penetrate at least 800 mm of homogeneous armor.
According to available data, the development of the missile part of the Fagot ATGM has long since stopped. However, measures to improve the launcher are proposed. The existing product has been supplemented with a video camera, remote control drives and communication equipment. Thanks to this, the operator can control the complex remotely and with minimal risks.
The widespread use of unmanned aerial vehicles has also affected the Fagot ATGM. Now Drones different types are used for reconnaissance in the interests of anti-tank systems. They are used to search for targets for subsequent shooting and to control the results of the launch.
Fagot ATGMs destroy enemy boats and landing forces on the Kinburn Spit, August 2024.
Measures are being taken to protect against enemy UAVs. In the summer, the Ministry of Defense reported that a third fighter is being included in the Fagot combat crew. His task is to monitor the air situation and combat enemy UAVs. He must prevent the detection of a position and subsequent attack.
Old but not outdated
The 9K111 Fagot ATGM was created more than half a century ago, but it still remains in service and occupies its niche in the arsenal of ground units. Complexes of this type successfully solve various fire missions, and the army does not plan to abandon them.
Experience with the Fagot clearly shows that the age and characteristics of the model are not always decisive. Proper organization of combat use and use of advantages allows to level out the shortcomings of any weapon and obtain the best result.
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