“Kalashnikov” Upgrades “Vikhr” Missile for use Against UAVs

The “Kalashnikov” Concern has upgraded its “Vikhr” anti-tank guided missile for use against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Polygonjournal reports that Kalashnikov Concern CEO Alan Lushnikov said this in an interview with the TASS news agency.

According to him, the “Vikhr” missile was originally developed as an air-to-ground anti-tank missile for Ka-52 attack helicopters. The missile demonstrated its effectiveness against armoured vehicles during Ukraine’s counteroffensive in 2023.

Lushnikov said the growing use of UAVs on the battlefield, including drones controlled via fibre-optic cables, has resulted in armoured vehicles becoming less active than before. In response, Kalashnikov adapted the missile for new missions.

“We upgraded it on our own initiative and at our own expense, installing a proximity target sensor. The missile now operates on the air-to-air principle,” he said.

He noted that the upgraded missile is already being used in combat conditions. The missile is guided by a laser beam, while the operator tracks the target and ensures the missile is aimed at it.

According to the head of the concern, this has resulted in an effective means of countering UAVs capable of striking targets deep inside Russian territory. At the same time, the “Vikhr” is significantly cheaper than any surface-to-air missile.

Speaking about the advantages of launching the missile from a helicopter, Lushnikov noted that a helicopter capable of detecting and tracking UAVs provides greater mobility and favourable conditions for missile guidance during an engagement.

Commenting on the possibility of launching “Vikhr” missiles from large UAVs, the Kalashnikov executive said this does not have particular practical significance. He explained that, given the need to destroy opposing UAVs both over Russian territory and in other areas, using helicopters to perform this mission is considered a simpler and more reliable option.