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The Tula Design Bureau of Instrumentation has announced the successful completion of tests for the 9M134 Bulat missile, a new anti-tank guided missile [ATGM] developed to target medium-armored vehicles. On September 11, the company confirmed the missile is now ready for deployment, marking a key advancement in Russia’s ATGM capabilities. “Tests of the light missile 9М134 for the destruction of armored vehicles have been completed, they were successful,” the company reported.
The 9M134 Bulat is four times lighter than the Kornet missile family, making it a more nimble and cost-effective solution for engaging medium-armored threats, such as infantry fighting vehicles [IFVs] and armored personnel carriers [APCs]. The missile is equipped with a tandem cumulative warhead designed to defeat armor protected by dynamic defense systems.
Additionally, the Bulat’s noise-resistant control system, guided by a laser beam, enables it to hit targets up to 3.5 kilometers away. Despite its lighter weight, the Bulat will integrate with the existing Kornet ATGM system, enhancing its versatility on the battlefield.
The Kornet
The Kornet, formally designated as the 9M133 Kornet, has been a cornerstone of Russian anti-armor operations since its introduction in the late 1990s. Developed by the KBP Instrument Design Bureau, this second-generation ATGM is designed to destroy a wide array of armored targets, including modern main battle tanks [MBTs], fortifications, and low-flying helicopters. Its adaptable platform allows it to be mounted on tripods, vehicles, and even helicopters, enhancing its operational flexibility.
The Kornet’s guidance system uses a semi-automatic command-to-line-of-sight [SACLOS] technique, where the operator maintains a laser beam on the target, guiding the missile directly to the impact point. Depending on the version, it boasts a range of up to 5.5 kilometers during the day and 3.5 kilometers at night, with modern iterations extending this reach to 10 kilometers.
Capable of speeds between 250 to 300 meters per second, the Kornet’s tandem warhead can penetrate up to 1,200 mm of rolled homogeneous armor [RHA] behind explosive reactive armor [ERA], giving it the power to challenge the toughest tanks on the battlefield.
Expanding capabilities with Bulat
While the Kornet system has excelled in neutralizing heavily armored targets, such as tanks, it is not always the most efficient tool for medium-armored or softer targets. The 9M134 Bulat missile fills this gap by offering a lighter, more economical option specifically designed for medium-armored vehicles.
The addition of the Bulat missile gives operators more choice in target engagement. Instead of relying on the more powerful Kornet missiles, which are optimized for tanks, the Bulat offers a tailored solution for engaging lighter vehicles and fortifications. This results in significant cost savings and logistical efficiency, as operators can now reserve the Kornet’s high-penetration missiles for the most formidable threats while using the Bulat for less heavily armored targets.
Kornet’s versatile arsenal
The Kornet system already offers a variety of missile types for different combat scenarios. The most common Kornet missile is equipped with a tandem high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead, specifically designed to defeat tanks equipped with reactive armor. This warhead detonates in two stages, with the first charge neutralizing the reactive armor and the second penetrating the tank’s main armor.
The Kornet also supports a thermobaric warhead [9M133F] that is highly effective against personnel in fortifications or caves. Thermobaric warheads produce a high-temperature blast that creates a devastating shockwave, making them ideal for neutralizing entrenched enemies.
By introducing the 9M134 Bulat missile, the Kornet system broadens its capabilities, allowing operators to adapt to a wider range of battlefield conditions. While the Kornet’s primary missiles are designed to penetrate thick armor and defeat advanced defense systems, the Bulat missile provides a cost-effective and efficient alternative for medium-armored targets.
Tactical and strategic flexibility
The reduced weight and cost of the Bulat missile not only streamline operations but also improve tactical flexibility. Kornet operators now have the option to choose the appropriate missile based on the target, conserving higher-cost munitions for when they are most needed. This strategic flexibility is especially important in modern combat environments, where a wide variety of armored and soft targets must be engaged rapidly.
In comparison to systems that specialize in heavy armor penetration, the addition of the Bulat missile gives Kornet-equipped forces a distinct edge in adaptability. They can now efficiently engage a broader spectrum of targets without over-committing high-end munitions.
In conclusion, the completion of 9M134 Bulat missile tests signals a significant enhancement to Russia’s ATGM arsenal. As part of the Kornet system, the Bulat offers a more versatile and cost-effective solution for engaging medium-armored targets, further solidifying the Kornet’s reputation as one of the most adaptable and potent ATGM systems in the world.
BULGARIAN MILITARY