KBP Metis M/ M1 Anti-Tank Guided Missile

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The response time of Metis M crew is quick. The missile is carried in its launcher, ready to fire and could be prepared for launch within 15-20 seconds. The missile gunner can launch the missile from the shoulder or even from a hip position if needed. The minimum safety range is 80 meters.

Above: Metis M fired by Sout h Korean troops during infantry unit exercises.

The Russian 9K115-2 Metis M1 (NATO reporting name AT-13 Saxhorn-2) was designed to augment Russian motorized infantry companies offering improved anti-tank capability at combat effective ranges of up to two kilometers. (This is the maximum effective range of the latest version – Metis M1 has an effective range of 1,500 m’).

Metis is operated by a crew of two, one carring the launcher and ready missile and the other crew member carrying two spare missiles
AT-13 Metis M1 (left) and AT-15 Kornet, two anti-tank /multi-purpose guided missiles produced by KBP. Photo: Defense Update

The wire-guided missile uses semi-automatic command-to-line-of sight (SACLOS) guidance system – an effective, yet somewhat outdated method, by current western standards. Metis M (AT-7) introduced in 1992 has a tandem shaped charge warhead that can defeat reactive armor and penetrate steel armor up to 950mm deep. It is also effective against light armored vehicles or fortifications. KBP is also offering the missile with a thermobaric warhead. The missile is in operational service since 1992. Metis M is currently in service with the Russian infantry, as well as former CIS states Ukraine, and Georgia. Other armies operating the missiles include Hungary, Croatia, Malaysia, Iran, Syria, Morocco and South Korea. The M1 version offers a lighter firing unit, through the use of lighter materials and modern thermal imager. Other improvements include better armor penetration capability.

KBP is currently producing the upgraded version designated  Metis-M1, comprising of the 9M131M missile and the 9P151M launcher, reduced weight 10.5 to 9.5 kg and featuring increased jamming immunity.

The response time of Metis M crew is quick. The missile is carried in its launcher, ready to fire and could be prepared for launch within 15-20 seconds. The missile gunner can launch the missile from the shoulder or even from a hip position if needed. The minimum safety range is 80 meters.
Metis M in service with the South Korean infantry, shown in firing position (above) and displaying the folded launcher (right).

The Metis M1 ATGW element is operating in teams of three personnel. The shooter is carrying one missiles contained in canister/launchers, command and launch unit and thermal sight – a system weighing about 30 kg. The other two crew members carry two missiles each, at a weight of 13.8 kg per missile.

 

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