The latest upgraded version of the Stugna-P anti-tank guided missile, known abroad under the export name Skif, has entered service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In practice, this is already the fourth generation of the system, combining both major innovations and smaller quality-of-life improvements.
The Khorne Group of the Ukrainian 116th Separate Mechanized Brigade has released a training video showing the basics of working with the system — assembling the launcher, preparing it for combat, and so on. Note: due to media constraints, the following video is the same as the original but re-posted by a third party.
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Overall, the operating steps remain the same, though with several improvements. The instructor highlights better cable quality, new holders for it, improved connector protection, and a lever for the missile block.
The most significant changes concern the control panel. Its elements and the battery have been slightly redesigned, and new functions have appeared: adjustable screen brightness, image display from the thermal imager, a system status view, and other minor refinements.
The software has also been updated, allowing the operator to scale the image for more accurate aiming. Previously this had to be eyeballed with less precision.
Another notable innovation is the integration of GPS navigation with a map displayed directly on the control panel screen. It shows the system's coverage radius and the launcher's direction. A digital ruler for measuring distances has also been added.
The soldier in the video describes the interface as "Kropyva, but it's not Kropyva," referring to Ukraine's indigenous battle management and situational awareness system commonly used for relaying target data.
This built-in navigation and mapping function helps cross-check data and enhances situational awareness. In the future, it could potentially be linked to a full-scale BMS, further expanding the functionality.
The batteries for both the launcher and the control panel can now be checked simply by pressing on them. Charge data is also displayed on the screen with indicators similar to those found on smartphones, which makes operation easier.
The aiming station remains largely unchanged but is still equipped with a thermal imager. A significant addition, however, is a factory-supplied plate protection set, designed to shield this most expensive part of the system from debris damage.
Although the widespread use of drones has made ATGMs fade into the background, the Stugna-P continues to evolve and support Ukrainian troops. Perhaps future upgrades will shed light on the path from the second to the third generation, or even bring a fifth generation in line with the latest international counterparts.
Since the beginning of russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, the Ukrainian-made ATGM has earned renown for its effectiveness. Today, it has taken more of a supporting role behind drones, but despite its lower mobility and flexibility, it continues to compensate with firepower in stationary defensive positions.
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