Pakistan Buys Russian Kornet-E Anti-tank Guided Missiles

The Pakistan Army has purchased some 52 launchers and an unspecified number of missiles of the Russian Kornet-E anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) for $62.46 million during the 2017-18.

The country’s Directorate General of Defence Purchases ordered Kornet-E anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) for $62.46 million, Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production’s (MoDP) yearbook for 2017-2018 states.

The number of missiles ordered was not disclosed but could run into hundreds of units given the value of the deal.

The Kornet-E is a competitor to the US’ Javelin and the Israeli Spike in the global arms market. It has a range between 4500 meters- 5500 meters. It can be deployed by dismounted soldiers as well as on vehicles.

According to information provided by the Russian arms export agency Rosoboronexport, the Kornet-E vehicle-mounted/portable anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system is designed to engage current and future tanks fitted with explosive reactive armor, fortifications, hovering helicopters and pinpoint surface targets.

It is not known if the Kornet-E have been deployed by the Pakistan Army. If it has, then it must be on the eastern border with India, as the type of threats (armored vehicles and tanks) it can deal with are not prominent on its western border with Afghanistan.