Turkish prototype of Russian Kornet anti-tank missile - cheaper and better

Roketsan, a prominent Turkish defence company, has initiated the development of the LOMTAS medium-range, laser-guided anti-tank missile.

It’s a matter of note that this new missile system is fundamentally constructed upon the established OMTAS missile technology, featuring an infrared [IIR] guidance system, and is touted to show effectiveness up to an impressive range of 4+ kilometers, Türkiye’s SavunmaSanayiST.com made a post on its X account, Caliber.Az reports.

ÖZEL HABER | Roketsan'dan düşük maliyetli yeni tank avcısı: LOMTAS!

— Aranan kan bulundu, Roketsan'dan LOMTAS sürprizi!

Detaylar, haberimizde:https://t.co/dKMuPeY98J

— SavunmaSanayiST.com (@SavunmaSanayiST) February 17, 2024

Interestingly, despite the LOMTAS anti-tank missile sharing a semi-active laser homing head with the MAM-L, its production costs significantly undercut those of its OMTAS counterpart. This economy of production gives Roketsan an edge in the market, and with the upcoming launches of the LOMTAS system, the company is set to offer a truly potent addition to the armaments of the Turkish Armed Forces and indeed the global export market.

At present, the Turkish military arsenal encompasses the laser-guided KORNET-E anti-tank missile, a product of the Russian Federation. The KORNET-E laser-beam anti-tank missile system is seamlessly integrated with the OMTAS in the FNSS KAPLAN and PARS STA vehicles, developed as part of the Weapon Carrier Vehicles [STA] project.

When it comes to anti-tank missiles, the LOMTAS models outshine laser-guided types like the KORNET-E, Skif, and Corsar, thanks to its semi-active laser guidance. Equipped for action in varied settings, it’s anticipated that the LOMTAS missile will become a go-to choice for armored ground units, varied airborne platforms, and even three-legged infantry formations.

Currently, the Turkish Armed Forces are actively utilizing the Roketsan-developed UMTAS and L-UMTAS anti-tank missiles, which boast an impressive 8-kilometer range. On the horizon, we have the shoulder-launched KARAOK missile with its 2.5-kilometer range nearing its entry into active inventory. On a continuous success track, we see the LUMTAS-GM missile, with an extraordinary range spanning beyond 16 kilometers.

The OMTAS missile, a product of ROKETSAN’s innovation, is a cutting-edge, medium-range anti-tank weapon hailing from Türkiye. Distinguished by its state-of-the-art technology, the OMTAS features a dual-mode Imaging Infrared [IIR] and Laser Seeker. Through this, it boasts an unparalleled ability, allowing for target engagement irrespective of the hour or prevailing weather conditions. The missile comes equipped with both ‘fire and forget’ and ‘fire and update’ capabilities. This majorly heightens its adaptability and operational effectiveness in battle.

The operational range that the OMTAS missile offers is indeed commendable. It can efficiently engage with targets from as far as 4 kilometers, giving operators a significant advantage in maintaining a safe distance from the enemy. The OMTAS missile is fitted with a tandem warhead to take down reactive armor. Its specifically engineered warhead is capable of piercing the protection of modern main battle tanks, which establishes the OMTAS as a significant force against heavily fortified adversaries.

One unique aspect of the OMTAS is the dual ‘top attack’ and ‘direct attack’ feature. This versatility enables it to launch attacks from above where the hull tends to be more vulnerable or to strike directly based on the tactical demands of the mission at hand. To top it all, the OMTAS missile system is designed for deployment on multiple platforms. Be it land-based vehicles, helicopters, or naval platforms, it’s ready to be launched, offering a multi-faceted solution for a wide variety of battlefield conditions.