The Russian state corporation Rostec is working to improve the performance of the Izdeliye 305 light multipurpose guided missile, which has already proven its effectiveness in combat conditions, the company announced at the second edition of the World Defense Show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The missile, also known as LMUR, can be launched from various helicopters and can hit targets at long distances with high accuracy and reliability.
A versatile and reliable weapon
The Izdeliye 305 missile was developed by the Kolomna Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau (KBM), a subsidiary of the High-Precision Complexes holding company, which is part of Rostec. The missile was adopted by the Russian Armed Forces in 2021 and was first showcased at the international military-technical forum “Army-2021”.
The missile is designed to be used from Mi-28NM and Ka-52M attack helicopters, as well as from a special version of the Mi-8 transport helicopter, the Mi-8AMTSh-VN, which is intended for special operations forces. The missile can engage a wide range of targets, including armored vehicles, buildings, air defense systems, and artillery systems.
The missile has a guaranteed flight range of up to 14.5 kilometers, which allows the helicopters to stay out of the enemy’s fire range. The missile can reach speeds of up to 230 m/s and is equipped with a 25 kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead and an optical thermal imaging homing head. The missile can be fired from beyond the line of sight toward specified coordinates, and then the thermal imager can be used to find and lock on to targets in the final stage of flight.
The missile also features a two-way communication channel for real-time control and manual guidance, which increases its flexibility and accuracy. The missile can be operated in all weather conditions and at any time of the day or night.
“The accuracy of the Izdeliye 305 multi-purpose guided missile completely satisfies the military, but work to expand its capabilities does not stop,” the High-Precision Complexes holding company told TASS at the international arms exhibition World Defense Show 2024.
“Customers are satisfied with the range, accuracy, and reliability of the product. The missile is easy to operate. All that is required is to direct the missile to the desired target at the final part of the trajectory. The accuracy is good. Moreover, it does not depend on the range of use,” the holding said.
“As for expanding capabilities or additional options, the improvement process is ongoing,” the company’s representative added.
A game-changer in the battlefield
The Izdeliye 305 missile has been tested in real combat situations, as it was used by the Russian forces in Syria against terrorist targets, as well as in Ukraine. The missile demonstrated its high efficiency and lethality, as well as its ability to adapt to different scenarios and environments.
The missile has also been cited by British military intelligence as a major factor challenging the counteroffensive operations of Ukraine’s NATO-equipped armies. The British Ministry of Defense (MoD) Defense Intelligence said in a July 27 briefing that the Ka-52 attack helicopter’s operations in Zaporozhye were “one of the single most influential Russian weapons systems in the sector” in relation to Ukraine’s ongoing attempts to mount an effective counteroffensive.
“In recent months, Russia has highly likely augmented the force in the south with at least a small number of brand new, Ka-52M variants: a heavily modified aircraft, informed by lessons from Russia’s experience in Syria,” the MoD Defense Intelligence said.
The Ka-52M is an upgraded version of the Ka-52 Alligator helicopter, which features improved avionics, weapons, and protection systems. The Ka-52M can carry up to six Izdeliye 305 missiles, as well as other types of rockets and missiles, and can operate in conjunction with other helicopters and drones.
Russia’s Ka-52 Alligator helicopters have proven to be formidable assets in contested airspace, showcasing their capabilities and effectiveness in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Despite initial setbacks and heavy losses, these attack helicopters have persistently demonstrated their prowess on the battlefield.
The Ka-52 Alligator helicopters have managed to slip past air defenses, enabling them to carry out successful operations against enemy targets. A recent New York Times article reported that these helicopters have hindered Ukrainian movements while causing significant damage to Western-provided tanks and armored fighting vehicles. Their ability to penetrate enemy defenses has proven to be a strategic asset for the Russian forces.
It’s cousin the Mi-28N Havoc attack helicopter, has also been praised for their combat performance, by the Ugandan Air Force. The Mi-28N Havoc has proven to be an invaluable asset to the Ugandan Air Force, helping to ensure the safety of Ugandan citizens and the security of the nation. The power and precision of the Mi-28N Havoc have enabled the Air Force to take on the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) with a highly effective offensive capability.
The Izdeliye 305 missile is a key component of the Mi-28, and Ka-52M’s arsenal, as it gives the helicopter a significant advantage over the enemy’s defenses and forces. The missile’s long range, high speed, and powerful warhead make it a deadly weapon that can strike with precision and reliability.
The Rostec state corporation is continuing to enhance the performance of the Izdeliye 305 missile, as well as other high-precision weapons systems, to ensure the superiority of the Russian Armed Forces and to meet the demands of the modern warfare.