Monday, March 21, 2022

Ukraine uses an ATGM Skif/Stugna-P made for an Arab customer

KYIV, ($1=29.34 Ukrainian Hryvnia) — It was to be expected, but now it seems certain: the Ukrainian armed forces seem to be using guided missile systems manufactured for export in the defensive battles around Kyiv, learned BulgarianMilitary.com, citing Soldat&Technik.

Ukraine uses an ATGM Skif/Stugna-P made for an Arab customer
Photo credit: Twitter

Images distributed on social networks show the display of a fire control unit of the Skif or Stugna-P [Ukrainian name] guided missile with Arabic characters.

In early 2021 it became known that Qatar wanted to procure the Skif, S&T reported. The guided missiles have since been integrated into a remote-controlled turret belonging to the Turkish arms company Aselsan. The delivery of the order was scheduled for last year. However, it cannot be ruled out that in the present case systems from this order were used.

The guided-missile designed by the state-owned Luch development office based in Kyiv has been in production for a decade. It was introduced to the Ukrainian armed forces in 2011. The weapon system is available with both a 130 mm and a 152 mm guided missile.

Ukraine uses an ATGM Skif/Stugna-P made for an Arab customer
Photo credit: Wikipedia

In addition to a tandem hollow charge, both versions are also available in an explosive fragmentation variant against buildings or field fortifications. The state-owned Ukroboronprom group also supplied the Skif to Algeria, Saudi Arabia, and Myanmar.

Ukraine expects more weapons

As we reported on March 17, Soviet-era anti-aircraft systems will be sent to Ukraine to counter Russian air raids. The information was reported by Jim Sciutto, CNN Anchor & Chief Nat Sec Correspondent.

According to Sciutto’s tweet, the ground-to-air missile systems and anti-aircraft systems are SA-8 [9K33 Osa – a highly mobile, low-altitude, short-range tactical CAM system], SA-10 [S-300 – a long-range SAM system], SA-12 [S-300V – a long-range SAM system] and SA-14 [9K34 Strela-3 – a man-portable air defense missile system or MANPADS]. Sciutto claims that this delivery is with the assistance of the United States and NATO allies.

Ukraine to receive Strela-3 MANPADS, 9K33 Osa, and S-300 SAMs
Photo credit: Wikipedia

Also, US President Joe Biden announced additional aid to Ukraine in the form of direct military supplies worth $ 800 million, bringing the amount given by the United States to Ukraine since the beginning of Biden’s presidency increased to $ 2 billion.

The new aid to Ukraine includes the deployment of 800 Stinger anti-aircraft systems; 2,000 Javelin, 1,000 light anti-armor weapons, and 6,000 AT-4 anti-armor systems; 100 Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems; 100 grenade launchers, 5,000 rifles, 1,000 pistols, 400 machine guns, and 400 shotguns; over 20 million rounds of small arms ammunition and grenade launcher and mortar rounds; 25,000 sets of body armor; and 25,000 helmets.

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