Russia is still using the Ukrainian battlefield to test new weapons, one of the highly appreciated types is the self-propelled tank destroyer equipped with Khrizantema-S missiles. This weapon is capable of destroying all modern tanks.
According to Russian military officials, the Khrizantema-S missile had a particularly excellent performance and it was the “author” that destroyed dozens of main battle tanks as well as armored vehicles of the Ukrainian Army. Thanks to its long range, high accuracy, extremely fast speed, very difficult to jam… the Khrizantema-S self-propelled anti-tank missile complex deserves to be considered a nightmare of Ukrainian armored forces on the battlefield.
The 9M123 Khrizntema-S anti-tank missile system was developed in the 1980s, was introduced to the public in 1996, and in 2005 was officially deployed in the Russian Army. It was intended to replace the ageing Shturm-S anti-tank missile carriers. The Khrizantema is considered as one of the most powerful systems in the world in its class.
Developers of this missile system claim, that appearance of the Khrizantema could possibly change tactics of tank war, as a small group of 3 or 4 of these anti-tank missile carriers can change the outcome of the battle. It is claimed, that 3 launcher vehicles are capable of engaging 14 main battle tanks and destroying no less than 60% of them. This missile system can also engage low-flying helicopters.
The Khrizantema launches supersonic missiles with a range of 400-6,000 meters. Average speed of flight is 400 m/s. Missiles are propelled by a solid fuel rocket motor. The Khrizantema is intended to be operated day and night and in all weather conditions, also in various natural and man-made countermeasures environments.
Missiles of the Khrizantema can be guided in two independent modes, either by laser or radar. This dual guidance system ensures protection against electronic countermeasures. Various missiles are available for this system. The 9M123 and 9M123-2 are the standard missiles with a tandem HEAT warheads. These missiles are used against armored vehicles.
The only difference between these missiles is the laser guidance, used on the 9M123 and radar guidance, used on the 9M123-2. Developers claim, that the tandem HEAT missiles are capable of penetrating 1,100-1,200 mm of rolled homogenous armor behind explosive reactive armor. It is sufficient to defeat MBTs of the latest generation, such as the M1A2 Abrams and Leopard 2A6.
Two missiles are carried on the launch rails in combat order. The Khrizantema can launch 2 missiles against 2 targets simultaneously. This missile system can also target low-flying helicopters. It carries 15 missiles inside the hull, and can engage up to 15 targets within few minutes.
The Khrizantema anti-tank missile system is based on a modified BMP-3 IFV chassis and features high mobility and maneuverability. Vehicle is powered by UTD-29 V10 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 500 hp. It has a hydropneumatic suspension system, which can be adjusted to suit the type of terrain being crossed. Vehicle is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by two waterjets. Amphibious speed on water is about 10 km/h. The Khrizantema ATGM system can be also mounted on other wheeled or tracked chassis with similar payload capacity.
