Ukraine's 47th Brigade vs Russian "Tank Hunters"

Defending the Avdiivka area, the Ukrainian 47th Mechanized Brigade "Magura" stands out as a distinct force. Its arsenal includes a considerable array of American combat vehicles. Among these are M1A1SA Abrams tanks, M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, as well as M88 Hercules technical support vehicles and M1150 assault breachers.

These vehicles are engaged in intense combat, often showcasing their effectiveness and thoughtful design, affording the crews enhanced comfort and substantial survival prospects in the event of an attack.

As Defence 24 reports, the Russians employ not only artillery and FPV drones to dismantle American machinery but also patrols equipped with 9M133 Kornet anti-tank guided missiles.

The Kornet stands as one of Russia's most potent anti-tank weapons to date. Initiated in the 1980s and culminating before the turn of the century, this missile measures 1.2 meters in length, with a diameter of 15 cm, weighs 27 kg, and carries a warhead that weighs 4.6 kg. Depending on its version, its range spans from 5.5 to nearly 11 kilometres.

This device can pierce armour as thick as 1.3 meters of Rolled Homogeneous Armour (RHA) or over 3 meters of reinforced concrete, posing a threat to any Western tank upon impact.

Aiming accurately poses its own set of challenges, as operators must maintain visual contact with the target until the missile makes contact, leaving them vulnerable to opposing fire.

The Kornet saw its first use in combat in Iraq, followed by Syria and Turkey. In Ukraine, they have inflicted losses on several Western main battle tanks.

Among the confirmed targets of the Kornet are Leopard 2 tanks, Stridsvagn 122 (the Swedish variant of Leopard 2A5), Challenger 2, and – possibly at least one of the five compromised Abrams tanks.