Stugna-P: Ukraine's resilient answer to Russian tank threats
The Russians continue their offensive both in the Kursk region and in Ukraine, suffering significant losses in the process. Recordings of the Stugna-P anti-tank guided missile launchers, highly popular in 2022 and 2023, are also surfacing. Here's what this Ukrainian system can do.
In addition to using Western and improvised equipment, Ukrainians still have their own designs. This group includes the Stugna-P anti-tank guided missile, which has become less visible in recent years due to better operational censorship by Ukrainians (fewer recordings from the front are reaching the internet) and the depletion of pre-war stocks. It is worth noting that the production of new Stugna-P units continues but does not fully meet the needs.
The video below shows how a Ukrainian crew, most likely from a dugout on a hill, remotely launches the missile at a Russian tank, probably from the T-72 family. The first missile hit the target, but the armour survived, so after reloading the launcher, another was fired. This one penetrated and caused a catastrophic fire inside the tank.
Stugna-P - Ukraine's economical tank killer
The Stugna-P is Ukraine's primary anti-tank weapon system, which entered service in 2011. Initially developed in collaboration with Belarus, a version based solely on Ukrainian components was ultimately created.
In terms of design, the Stugna-P is an older generation system compared to more modern solutions like the FGM-148 Javelin or Akeron-MP. It requires continuous guidance of the missile until impact, which relies on the use of a laser beam.
With a missile speed of about 200 metres per second, a target 5 kilometres away has about 20 seconds to react. During this time, the tank gunner can, for example, fire a shot from the cannon towards the launcher site.
To enhance the safety of the Stugna-P system operator, remote firing of the missiles is possible. This solution includes a 50-metre cable connecting the launcher to the control panel, equipped with a screen, allowing for firing from a safe distance.
The system uses two main types of missiles: calibre 130 mm and the rarer 152 mm. Both types are equipped with tandem high-explosive warheads capable of overcoming reactive armour. The smaller missiles can penetrate up to 80 centimetres of steel armour, posing a serious threat even to modern tanks like the T-90 series, not to mention older models.
