Sturm-SM ATGM-vehicle passed state tests

The Sturm-SM self-propelled anti-tank missile system passed state tests.

This was reported by Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk, Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine.

According to him, the Ministry of Defense rapidly continues to work on the adoption of new weapons and military equipment.

During the first week of 2024, almost one and a half dozen WME samples had been codified. Among them are robotic systems, UAVs, EW systems, engineering equipment, an upgraded version of the AFV, ATGMs and ammunition for them.

State tests have also been completed and the Sturm-SM mobile anti-tank missile system based on one of the armored fighting vehicles has been codified. Ukrainian guided missiles with different types of warheads have been developed for self-propelled ATGM.

It is worth noting that the codification provides the right to enter into agreements with the manufacturer of weapons for the supply of it to the troops.

It is worth recalling that Sturm-SM is a modified version of the Soviet Sturm-S system. In 2021, the prototype of the updated ATGM had successfully passed preliminary tests.

It is worth noting that the original Sturm-S self-propelled ATGM was developed in the mid-70s at the Kolomna Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau.

Sturm-SM

The modernized Sturm-SM received a RK-2P Barrier-P guided missile from the Luch Design Bureau with a range of 7 km. As a sight on the prototype has been used the OPSN-I domestic optical-sighting station developed by SE Izyum Instrument Making Plant and was demonstrated for the first time in December 2018.

OPSN-I is designed for visual TV surveillance, selection and tracking of the target by the gunner, determination of the range to the target, formation of a laser information field for control of an anti-tank missile at a program distance. As standard, the sighting station was equipped with a thermal imaging channel (the target detection range is from 14.5 km). It was also equipped with three digital multifunctional color cameras (targets are determined at a distance of up to 12.5 km), as well with a laser rangefinder.

The state tests of Sturm-SM were initially expected to terminate in 2022, but these terms were influenced by the Russian full-scale invasion.

Probably, the timing of the test of the system was also influenced by the replacement of the chassis, which follows from words of Lieutenant General Ivan Havrilyuk. Where instead of a MT-LB tracked tractor it was decided to use another armored fighting vehicle. As well as the loss of production facilities of the Izyum Instrument Making Plant due to the Russian occupation, which was the developer of the optical sighting station for Sturm-SM that caused the need to look for new suppliers or establish production at other facilities.