The press service of the 23rd Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has released a video of combat training, in which we can see the process of firing from the Shturm-S ATGM vehicle based on the MT-LB chassis.
The publication of this video is noteworthy, as it marks the first time since russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine that Ukrainian soldiers have demonstrated the use of the Shturm-S.
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Where this system could have come from is an interesting question. A number of russian Shturm-S systems (at least 18 units, according to Oryx estimates) have been captured as trophies by the Defense Forces of Ukraine.
According to the press service, the video shows a basic variant of the Sturm-S system. It is designed to use Soviet 9M114 Kokon anti-tank missiles, which have a range of up to 5 kilometers and can be used to destroy armored vehicles and fortified targets.
At the same time, there is also an interesting note: "modernizations carried out by Ukrainian specialists significantly increase its effectiveness by adding modern guidance equipment and ammunition."
Obviously, this is a direct reference to the modernized Shturm-SM system. In January 2024, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine announced the completion of state tests of this model, but no further public information was available until now.
It should be recalled that work on the Shturm-SM started before russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The first presentation took place during the Arms and Security 2021 international specialized exhibition.
The two main features of the Shturm-SM known at the time of Russia's full-scale invasion were the integration of the DKKB Luch’s RK-2P missile, replacing the 9M114 Kokon, and the installation of the Izyum Instrument Factory’s optronic sight system. This made it possible to hit targets at a distance of 6-7 kilometers at any time of the day or night.
The current configuration of the Shturm-SM project is not yet publicly known.
Earlier Defense Express reported that National Guard combat brigades would receive Novator-2 armored medical vehicles.
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