#

DKKB Luch has Modified its Anti-Tank Missile System for Use with M113 APC Platform

262
DKKB Luch’s anti-tank guided missile test fired from M113 APC platform / Screenshot from Company’s promotional video for EDEX’2021 defense expo in Egypt
DKKB Luch’s anti-tank guided missile test fired from M113 APC platform / Screenshot from Company’s promotional video for EDEX’2021 defense expo in Egypt

DKKB Luch has adapted one of its anti-tank guided missile systems for launch from the ubiquitous M113 APC armored personnel carrier

Kyiv-based State-owned Design Bureau “Luch”, an Ukroboronprom company, has successfully tested its anti-tank guided missile and launcher mounted on M113 tracked armored personnel carrier, as part of a demonstration staged for an undisclosed potential customer.

The demonstration, which took place at a military proving ground in a South Asian country, was staged for a potential customer mulling the purchase of ATGM weapons from Ukraine.

Read more: DKKB Luch has Disclosed Countries Willing to Purchase its Vilkha MLRS, Neptune ASCM Systems

This is reported by Defence Blog citing sources in DKKB Luch.

Pakistan Army fields a fleet of M113 APCs

The live firing tests were conducted from an M113 platform at 15-degree inclination angle, according to the Company’s sources.

While DKKB Luch declined to disclose the time or the name of the country the demonstration took place in, it said that all targets had been accurately hit and the potential customer was highly impressed with the accuracy shown by the Ukrainian missiles.

Turkish upgrade for Saudi Arabia’s M113 APC fleet features 1x roof-mounted double tube launcher for TOW anti-tank guided missiles

The M113 is currently fielded by over five dozen armed forces across the globe. In Asia and the Middle East, the countries that might have potential interest in modernizing their M113 fleets with Luch ATGM capabilities include Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, and Bahrain.

DKKB Luch’s Skif ATGM seen during test firing conducted in Pakistan, September 2020 / opk.com.ua photo

These countries are all fielding significant fleets of US-supplied M113 APC fleets. Some (Saudi Arabia being one of them) were buying ATGM weapons from Ukraine previously or are potentially large customers (Pakistan).

Pakistan Army Chief of Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa seen inspecting Luch’s Skif and Corsar ATGM systems, May 2021

DKKB Luch is proposing the Skif (which is export-oriented version of the company’s Stugna-P ATGM system) for the Pakistani Army’s requirement for ATGM capabilities.

Read more: Ukraine Seeking Intensified Bilateral Cooperation on Defense Technologies with Pakistan – Minister of Defense