KornetEdit
Kornet refers to a family of Russian anti-tank guided missiles that have become a mainstay in modern ground warfare. Developed by the KBP Instrument Design Bureau, the system is designed to provide infantry and vehicle crews with long-range, guided fire against armored targets. Since its introduction in the late 1990s, the Kornet family has been exported widely and deployed in a variety of theaters, where it has demonstrated the enduring value of credible, portable anti-armor capability in deterring aggression and shaping battlefield outcomes. Its combination of reach, lethality, and ease of use has made it a benchmark against which many other heavy anti-armor systems are measured. anti-tank guided missile technology and laser guidance concepts play central roles in how the system operates, and the Kornet's presence in several regional conflicts has kept it in the public eye as a symbol of modern anti-armor warfare.
The Kornet program has continued to evolve, spawning variants that extend range, improve guidance reliability, and adapt the system for different launch platforms. The core idea—offensive deterrence through a portable, precision-guided missile—remains the same, even as the platform has transitioned from primitive man-portable launchers to more integrated, vehicle-based configurations. In discussions of arms procurement and defense policy, the Kornet is frequently cited as an example of how modern states and allied actors pursue credible military capabilities without resorting to more costly, heavy-vehicle systems. Russia and several of its partners have emphasized the strategic value of such weapons in deterrence calculations and in situations where conventional forces must be able to respond to armored threats with speed and precision.
Overview
Design and guidance
The Kornet system is built around a guided missile that uses a laser-based guidance approach to reach its target. The operator designates the target, and the missile follows the laser beam to impact. This guidance scheme provides a balance between accuracy and ease of use in mobile or improvised launch environments. The missiles in the Kornet family are typically equipped with a tandem-charge warhead designed to defeat modern armor, including vehicles protected by reactive armor. The combination of range, lethality, and guidance reliability has contributed to its reputation as a capable anti-tank option in periods of both high-intensity and irregular warfare. See also laser guidance, tandem-charge warhead.
Variants and platforms
The Kornet family includes several variants, with improvements in range, compatibility, and deployment platforms. While the core system began as a man-portable launcher, later iterations extended into vehicle-mounted and more capable configurations. These variants are sometimes referred to by different designations in various markets, but they share the same underlying concept: a capable, guided anti-tank missile that can be employed quickly by trained crews. For more on related launch systems and guidance technologies, see MANPADS and ATGM.
Operational use and export
Since its introduction, the Kornet has seen service with state militaries and a variety of non-state actors across multiple regions. Its portability and ease of use have made it attractive for forces that require mobile anti-armor options without heavy investment in main battle tanks. The system has appeared in publicized conflicts in the Middle East and has been reported in other theaters where armed groups or regional rivals seek to counter armored formations. Export controls and end-user monitoring are a recurring topic in discussions of the Kornet, as with other advanced weapons systems. See also arms export, Russia, Syria, and Ukraine for related discussions of regional deployments and implications.
Capabilities and limitations
The Kornet’s long-range reach, armor-penetrating warhead, and relatively simple operator workflow give it a credible edge in many combat scenarios. Critics of widespread arming argue that such weapons can escalate violence or fall into the wrong hands, potentially prolonging conflict or increasing civilian risk. Proponents counter that deterrence rests on credible capabilities; weaker states or non-state actors with effective anti-armor options can deter aggression, defend sovereignty, and alter strategic calculations without escalating to higher-cost arsenals. Proponents also point to the importance of proper training, robust command-and-control, and secure supply lines to maximize the positive effects of such weapons while mitigating risks. See deterrence theory and arms control policy for broader debates.
In terms of technical limitations, the Kornet relies on line-of-sight guidance and an operator who must maintain target designation until impact. Weather conditions, countermeasures, and the presence of artillery or air support can influence effectiveness. Like most heavy anti-tank systems, the Kornet is most effective when integrated into a broader combined-arms approach that leverages suppression, maneuver, and reconnaissance to shape the battlefield. See also countermeasures in warfare and air defense for related considerations.