Image source: topwar.ru
The French concern Thales has begun deliveries to Ukraine of new 70-mm FZ123 laser-guided missiles with high-explosive fragmentation warheads.
- it is noted in the Western press.
The warhead of the rocket is of a cluster type and consists of thousands of steel balls that fly apart when a non-contact fuse is triggered near the target. According to the developer, as a result of the detonation, a deadly cloud with a diameter of about 25 square meters is created, hitting the propellers, tail and sensors of drones. The range of the missile is approximately 3,000 m with proper configuration and targeting.
Image source: topwar.ru
Vampire PU from L3Harris for land platforms
The guidance is carried out by the operator using a laser beam. If the connection is interrupted, the missile will fly to a given point for several seconds, and then switch to ballistic mode, which is designed to increase the likelihood of a hit.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces use 70 mm guided munitions from L3Harris Vampire launchers supplied by the United States, which house 4 UR and an optoelectronic/infrared guidance station. The Ukrainian military has also adapted Mi-8 helicopters to install containers with 70mm rockets.
Image source: topwar.ru
Hanging container for 70mm rockets
Thales is creating its own prototype of a compact ground-based launcher with 5 guides, while increasing production of 70-mm missiles at facilities in Belgium.: It is expected that up to 3,500 SD units will be produced this year, and up to 10,000 in 2026. And that's not counting tens of thousands of unguided 70mm ammunition.
