Skif (anti-tank guided missile)

{{Short description|Ukrainian antitank guided missile system, Export version of Stugna-P}} {{For|the gun-launched antitank guided missile|Stugna}}{{Infobox weapon | name = Skif (Stugna-P) | image = Stugna-P, Kyiv 2021, 01.jpg | image_size = 240 | caption = A Skif on a tripod. | origin = Ukraine | type = ATGM | is_ranged = | is_missile = yes | service = 2011–present<ref name="Skif: Military-Today"/> | used_by = See ''Users'' | wars = War in Donbas<br>Russian invasion of Ukraine | designer = Kyiv Design Bureau "Luch",<br/>OJSC Peleng | design_date = | manufacturer = | production_date = | number = | variants = See ''Variants'' | unit_cost =  | weight = {{cvt|97|kg|lb|0}}; full system including missile {{cvt|104|kg|lb|0}} | length = | part_length = | width = | height = | diameter = 130 mm, 152 mm | filling = | filling_weight = | detonation = Impact fuze | wingspan = | propellant = | fuel_capacity = | vehicle_range = *Day: 5/5.5 km *Night: 3 km | ceiling = | altitude = | boost = | speed = | guidance = Laser beam riding with target tracking in TV or thermal imaging channels in manual or auto mode<ref name="SKIF_Luch"/> | steering = Manual or automatic | accuracy = | launch_platform = Tripod, vehicle mount on remote weapon station (RWS) | transport = }}

The '''Skif''', also known as the '''Stugna-P''' or '''Stuhna-P''', is a Ukrainian anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system developed in the early 2010s by the Luch Design Bureau, a unit of UkrOboronProm.<ref name="SKIF_Luch">{{Cite web |title="SKIF" man portable antitank missile system |url=http://www.luch.kiev.ua/en/production/antitank-weapons-systems-and-simulators/skif-man-portable-antitank-missile-system |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210141223/http://www.luch.kiev.ua/en/production/antitank-weapons-systems-and-simulators/skif-man-portable-antitank-missile-system |archive-date=2017-12-10 |access-date=2018-03-23 |website=www.luch.kiev.ua}}</ref><ref name="Skif: Military-Today">{{Cite news |title=Skif Anti-tank guided missile |url=http://www.military-today.com/missiles/skif.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708211005if_/http://www.military-today.com/missiles/skif.htm |archive-date=2017-07-08 |access-date=2018-03-23}}</ref><ref name="Luch Design Bureau">{{Cite web |title=Luch, State Kyiv Design Bureau |url=https://www.luch.kiev.ua/images/data/en/LuchEn.pdf |publisher=State Kyiv Design Bureau, Luch |access-date=1 November 2020 |archive-date=5 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105163752/https://www.luch.kiev.ua/images/data/en/LuchEn.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The initial guidance device PN-S (ПН-С) of the Skif was developed and manufactured by Belarusian design bureau Peleng based in Minsk.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ЦАМТО / Главное / Украина рассчитывает на увеличение экспортных поставок ПТРК "Скиф" |url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/mainnews/2010/1215/09046641/detail.shtml |website=armstrade.org |access-date=2021-05-06 |archive-date=2021-05-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506204918/https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/mainnews/2010/1215/09046641/detail.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Skif is designed to destroy modern armored targets with combined carried or monolithic armor, including explosive reactive armor (ERA). The Skif can attack both stationary and moving targets. It can be used to attack from both long range (up to {{convert|5|km|mi|disp=sqbr}} in the daytime) and close range ({{convert|100|m|ft|disp=semicolon}}). It can attack point targets such as weapon emplacements, lightly armored objects, and hovering helicopters. The Skif has two targeting modes: manually steered, and automated fire-and-forget that uses no manual tracking of a target.<ref name="SKIF_Luch"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Skif – Trojan |url=http://trosol-defence.com/skif/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325053807/http://trosol-defence.com/skif/ |archive-date=2018-03-25 |access-date=2018-03-24}}</ref> In 2018, an upgraded export variant of the Skif was tested by the Ukrainian military.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ukraine Tests New Anti-tank Guided Missile System 'Skif' |url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/221435 mm377/Ukraine_Tests_New_Anti_tank_Guided_Missile_System____Skif___ |access-date=2021-04-04 |website=www.defenseworld.net |archive-date=2021-12-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228201808/https://www.defenseworld.net/news/22377/Ukraine_Tests_New_Anti_tank_Guided_Missile_System____Skif___ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Skif ATGM system should not be confused with the Stugna 100-mm gun-launched anti-tank missile.<ref name="STUGNA-P_Luch">{{cite web |title=Stugna round comprising antitank guided missile |url=http://www.luch.kiev.ua/en/production/antitank-guided-missiles-and-guidance-systems/stugna-round-comprising-antitank-guided-missile |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501132627/http://www.luch.kiev.ua/en/production/antitank-guided-missiles-and-guidance-systems/stugna-round-comprising-antitank-guided-missile |archive-date=2023-05-01 |access-date=6 June 2023 |website=Luch, State Kyiv Design Bureau}}</ref>

==Etymology and spelling== Skif ({{Langx|uk|скіф}}) is the Ukrainian word for ''Scythian''. The name ''Stugna-P'' (Russian) or ''Stuhna-P'' ({{Langx|uk|Стугна-П}}) is after the river Stuhna, a right tributary of the Dnipro.

==Design== The Skif consists of a tripod, PDU-215 remote control panel, guidance device, and thermographic camera (thermal imager).<ref name="SKIF_Luch"/><ref name="Skif: Military-Today"/> Each round of ammunition comes in its own canister of either 130 or 152 mm diameter.

The PDU-215 control panel is a briefcase-like laptop computer with a control panel, holding a small joystick and a flat-panel display, that is connected to the firing unit by a cable, allowing it be used at distances up to {{convert|50|m|ft}} away. Two firing modes are available: manual, and fire-and-forget. Fire-and-forget provides automatic control of the missile flight using a targeting laser beam.<ref name="Skif: Military-Today"/>

A three to four-person team is optimal for deploying the Skif. Operators require specially-made backpacks. Once the missile is fired, the operator controls the Skif and corrects the aim when needed, by using the joystick on the remote control. The Skif's system has a shelf life of 15 years. The missiles have a 10-year shelf life.

The system comes complete with 130 mm and 152 mm caliber missiles in transport and launching containers. Tandem charge high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) RK-2S warheads might be able to counter medium weight main battle tanks such as the T-90A with penetration of {{convert|800|mm|in}} behind ERA. RK-2M-K warheads might be able to counter heavy main battle tanks such as M1A2 Abrams with their penetration of {{convert|1100|mm|in}} behind ERA. The system also includes high explosive (HE) fragmentation RK-2OF and RK-2М-OF warheads to attack infantry positions and light armored vehicles. The system can use all four types of missiles with no modification. The system's thermal imager can be used during night operations.<ref name="SKIF_Luch"/><ref name="Skif: Military-Today"/> According to a 2014 article, SLX-Hawk thermal imaging camera produced by Selex ES can be installed for use at night and in poor visibility conditions.<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://issuu.com/defenseexpress/docs/defense_express-10-2014/12 |title=Стугна-П. Противотанковый ракетный комплекс |journal=Defense Express |issue=10 |date=October 2014 |language=ru |access-date=2022-06-09 |archive-date=2022-06-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609095722/https://issuu.com/defenseexpress/docs/defense_express-10-2014/12 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Ukrainian military only uses the 130 mm caliber missiles, as the 152 mm versions were made to compete against the Russian Kornet-EM on the export market.<ref name="janes8sept23">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=8 September 2023|title=MSPO 2023: Luch Design Bureau confirms use of Skif-M by Ukrainian forces|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/mspo-2023-luch-design-bureau-confirms-use-of-skif-m-by-ukrainian-forces|access-date=|website=Janes Information Services|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230910134426/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/mspo-2023-luch-design-bureau-confirms-use-of-skif-m-by-ukrainian-forces|archive-date=10 September 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>

The upgraded Skif-M was unveiled in 2022, which has improvements such as a lighter tripod, a revised traverse and elevation housing, a new lightweight remote-control panel, new batteries to power the launcher and panel, and the new PN-U sighting and guidance unit (SGU) which includes a laser rangefinder. The Luch Design Bureau said the Skif-M had been delivered to the Ukrainian armed forces in September 2023.<ref name="janes8sept23"/>

==Variants== The launcher can fire three types of ammunition, with two different calibers.<ref name="SKIF_Luch"/>

===130 mm missiles=== thumb|Skif firing from a concealed position by remote control System configuration with 130 mm missiles using RK-2S and RK-2OF warheads. *Missile caliber: 130 mm *Firing range (day): {{convert|100|–|5000|m|yd}} *Firing range (night): {{convert|100|–|3000|m|yd}} *Full system weight: {{convert|97|kg|lb}}<ref name="Luch Design Bureau"/> *Missile in container weight: {{convert|30|kg|lb}} *Warhead penetration: **RK-2S tandem-charge HEAT: Not less than {{convert|1000|mm|in}} RHA behind ERA **RK-2OF HE-fragmentation: Not less than {{convert|60|mm|in}} RHA with at least 600 fragments *Container length: {{convert|1360|mm|in}}

===152 mm missiles=== thumb|Skif and Aselsan Eye-LR-S thermal imaging camera System configuration with 152 mm missiles using RK-2M-K and RK-2М-OF warheads: *Missile caliber: 152 mm *Firing range (day): {{convert|100|–|5500|m|yd}} *Firing range (night): {{convert|100|–|3000|m|yd}} *Full system weight: {{convert|104|kg|lb}}<ref name="Luch Design Bureau"/> *Missile in container weight: {{convert|37|kg|lb}} *Warhead penetration: **RK-2M-K tandem-charge HEAT: Not less than {{convert|1200|mm|in}} RHA behind ERA **RK-2М-OF HE-fragmentation: Not less than {{convert|120|mm|in}} RHA with at least 1000 fragments *Container length: {{convert|1360|mm|in}}

===SERDAR=== SERDAR is a stabilized remote controlled weapon station (RCWS). The system was developed jointly by the Luch Design Bureau, Turkish company Aselsan, and SpetsTechnoExport, part of Ukraine's Ukroboronprom enterprise. The system carries two (in some versions four) 130 mm or 152 mm missiles with RK-2S or RK-2M-K tandem-charge HEAT warheads. The system is also equipped with 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm caliber machine guns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ukrainian-Turkish SERDAR Anti-Tank Missile Launching System Passes Qualifying Trials |url=https://defpost.com/ukrainian-turkish-serdar-anti-tank-missile-launching-system-passes-qualifying-trials/ |website=DEFPOST |access-date=1 November 2020 |archive-date=25 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125170727/https://defpost.com/ukrainian-turkish-serdar-anti-tank-missile-launching-system-passes-qualifying-trials/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A joint company for the production of Skif missiles was established in Turkey and production began in early 2020.<ref name="Skif: Military-Today"/>

===Shershen=== {{Main|Shershen}} Shershen is a Belarusian ATGM based on Skif. It also has different types of 130 mm and 152 mm missiles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shershen - Anti-tank guided missile |url=http://www.military-today.com/missiles/shershen.htm |access-date=1 November 2020 |archive-date=9 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209044159if_/http://www.military-today.com/missiles/shershen.htm |url-status=usurped}}</ref>

==Operational history== thumb|A Ukrainian three-man anti-tank team moving on foot in a winter maneuver, carrying Skif ATGM The missile system was used during the pre-2022 Russo-Ukrainian War by Ukrainian forces following first deliveries in 2018.<ref>{{cite news |last=Axe |first=David |date=11 January 2022 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2022/01/11/ukraines-homemade-anti-tank-missile-has-been-blasting-more-and-more-rebel-vehicles/?sh=5205cf9d43ca |title=Ukraine's Homemade Anti-Tank Missiles Have Been Blasting More and More Rebel Vehicles |work=Forbes |access-date=5 April 2022 |archive-date=5 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405163026/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2022/01/11/ukraines-homemade-anti-tank-missile-has-been-blasting-more-and-more-rebel-vehicles/?sh=5205cf9d43ca |url-status=live }}</ref> However, it gained wider prominence against Russian Army forces during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine beginning in February alongside anti-tank systems provided by NATO countries such as the FGM-148 Javelin (US) and NLAW (UK/Sweden).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/uk-news/2022/03/10/starstreak-javelin-nlaw-2000-pieces-of-weaponry-sent-to-ukraine-from-wests-war-chest/ |title=Starstreak, Javelin, NLAW: 200,000 items of weaponry sent to Ukraine from West's war chest |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315141112/https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/uk-news/2022/03/10/starstreak-javelin-nlaw-2000-pieces-of-weaponry-sent-to-ukraine-from-wests-war-chest/ |archive-date=15 March 2022 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On April 5, 2022, Ukrainian forces used the missile system to down a Russian Kamov Ka-52 attack helicopter.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/ukrainian-troops-shoot-down-russian-helicopter-with-anti-tank-missile-2022-4 |title=Video shows Ukrainian troops shooting a Russian helicopter gunship down with an anti-tank missile |work=Business Insider |date=5 April 2022}}</ref> Although not as advanced as fire and forget systems such as the Javelin, the Stugna-P possesses a few unique advantages over those weapons. It possesses a longer range overall, flies significantly faster, and is harder to jam due to its SACLOS laser guidance. However, it weighs significantly more than those weapons and cannot be operated by a lone operator.

As the war has moved to the Donbas and fighting has changed from wooded areas to open plains, the missile has been fitted to light vehicles to make it mobile. The Skif is being used in the same way US forces used the TOW missile system in the 1980s and the Gulf War Desert Patrol Vehicle. On 25 April, near Izyum, during one engagement four tanks were destroyed or damaged in 4 minutes by the same Skif operator.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://spokesman-recorder.com/2022/04/27/video-four-by-war-four-russian-tanks-destroyed-in-four-minutes/ |title= VIDEO: Four By War: Four Russian Tanks Destroyed In Four Minutes |date= 27 April 2022 |access-date= 1 May 2022 |archive-date= 15 October 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20221015072452/https://spokesman-recorder.com/2022/04/27/video-four-by-war-four-russian-tanks-destroyed-in-four-minutes/ |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukrainian-battle-buggies-are-out-to-kill-russian-tanks |title=Ukrainian Battle Buggies Are Out To Kill Russian Tanks |date=28 April 2022 |access-date=1 May 2022 |archive-date=1 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501004550/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukrainian-battle-buggies-are-out-to-kill-russian-tanks |url-status=live }}</ref>

Many of the missiles were to be exported to Middle Eastern countries. However, upon the outbreak of war these export models were used by Ukrainian soldiers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bulgarianmilitary.com/amp/2022/03/21/ukraine-uses-an-atgm-skif-stugna-p-made-for-an-arab-customer/ |title=Ukraine uses an ATGM Skif/Stugna-P made for an Arab customer |date=21 March 2022 |access-date=1 May 2022 |archive-date=12 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412063240/https://bulgarianmilitary.com/amp/2022/03/21/ukraine-uses-an-atgm-skif-stugna-p-made-for-an-arab-customer/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://eurasiantimes.com/stinging-with-stugna-ukraines-home-grown-atgms-boots-javelins-stringers/?amp |title=Stinging With Stugna – Ukraine's Home-Grown ATGMs Complement Javelins & Stringers To Wreak Havoc On Russian Tanks |date=30 March 2022 |access-date=1 May 2022 |archive-date=27 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627231444/https://eurasiantimes.com/stinging-with-stugna-ukraines-home-grown-atgms-boots-javelins-stringers/?amp |url-status=live }}</ref>

According to Ukrainian soldiers, one missile has hit a Russian tank at 5,300 meters (300 m beyond the nominal maximum range of 5 km).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2022/08/01/ukraine-made-atgm-destroyed-a-russian-tank-at-a-5-3-km-distance/ |title=Stinging With Ukraine-made ATGM destroyed a Russian tank at a 5.3 km distance |date=1 August 2022 |access-date=5 August 2022 |archive-date=5 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805112429/https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2022/08/01/ukraine-made-atgm-destroyed-a-russian-tank-at-a-5-3-km-distance/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Users== [[File:1paradaze.jpg|thumb|Armored car Otokar Cobra of the Azerbaijani army, equipped with a Skif ATGM]] *{{flag|Azerbaijan}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mitzer |first1=Stijn |last2=Oliemans |first2=Joost |title=Azerbaijan’s Emerging Arsenal Of Deterrent |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2021/10/azerbaijans-emerging-arsenal-of.html |website=Oryx |date=17 October 2021 |access-date=6 July 2022 |archive-date=6 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706162830/https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2021/10/azerbaijans-emerging-arsenal-of.html |url-status=live }}</ref> *{{ALG}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Algerian army acquired the Skif ATGM from Ukraine |url=https://www.menadefense.net/algeria/algerian-army-accquired-the-skif-atgm-from-ukrain/ |publisher=Menadefense.net |access-date=27 July 2016 |archive-date=8 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190208060553/https://www.menadefense.net/algeria/algerian-army-accquired-the-skif-atgm-from-ukrain/ |url-status=live }}</ref> *{{SAU}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.liga.net/world/news/ukraina-postavila-voennoy-tehniki-v-sa-na-242-mln---smi|title=Украина поставила военной техники в СА на $24,2 млн - СМИ|date=December 28, 2018|website=LIGA|access-date=May 1, 2022|archive-date=December 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181228210742/https://news.liga.net/world/news/ukraina-postavila-voennoy-tehniki-v-sa-na-242-mln---smi|url-status=live}}</ref> *{{flag|Myanmar}}<ref name="SIPRI">{{Cite web |title=SIPRI Trade Register |url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |publisher=Stockholm International Peace Research Institute |access-date=2020-11-24 |archive-date=2010-04-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414022558/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |url-status=live }}</ref> *{{GEO}} *{{flag|Ukraine}}<ref name="Skif: Military-Today"/> *{{flag|Morocco}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Le Maroc teste de nouveaux missiles antichars Ukrainiens |url=https://ledesk.ma/enoff/le-maroc-teste-de-nouveaux-missiles-antichars-ukrainiens/ |publisher=ledesk.ma |access-date=12 April 2022 |archive-date=26 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426234703/https://ledesk.ma/enoff/le-maroc-teste-de-nouveaux-missiles-antichars-ukrainiens/ |url-status=live }}</ref> *{{flag|Qatar}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cont.ws/@t34/1166229|title=Катар показал боевой модуль турецкой ASELSAN с украинскими ПТУР "Скиф" на 31 бронеавтомобиле - T34 — КОНТ|website=cont.ws|access-date=2022-05-01|archive-date=2018-12-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223030128/https://cont.ws/@t34/1166229|url-status=live}}</ref> *{{flag|Egypt}}<ref name="MB2022">{{citation|surname1=The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)|title=The Military Balance 2022|edition=1st|publisher=Routledge|publication-place=London|isbn=978-1-032-27900-8 |date=2022|language=de}}</ref> * {{flag|Jordan}}<ref name="MB2022" />

==See also== *{{lwc|RK-3 Corsar}} *{{lwc|Shershen}} *{{lwc|9M133 Kornet}} *{{lwc|OMTAS}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

Category:Anti-tank guided missiles of Ukraine Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 2011 Category:Fire-and-forget weapons