The primary difference in the systems came from their maximum engagement ranges and warhead size, with the 9M113 being longer ranged and carrying a larger HEAT warhead. This new family of missiles was able to use a common control unit (the 9P135, and later 9P135M, etc.) and guidance system, resulting in two missiles that differed little in theory of operation. This was concurrent with a relatively new trend in integrating ATGWs into purpose-built tank destroyers (sometimes ‘ATGM carriers’ or ‘ATGW carriers’), exemplified in Soviet service by the 9P148 tank destroyer, based on the BRDM-2 chassis.

KBP were directed to develop two new SACLOS anti-tank guided weapons (ATGWs), one to be man-portable, and the other to be a heavier, longer-range variant to be employed from armoured fighting vehicles. Shipunov, formerly of the Central Scientific Research Institute for Precision Machine Engineering (TsNIITochMash). This method required a high degree of skill to operate, and necessitated controlling the missile’s flight through a magnifying periscope from a fixed position.ĭevelopment began in 1962 at KBP Tula, under the oversight of chief designer Arkadiy G. The earlier 9M14 featured manual command to line-of-sight (MCLOS) guidance, requiring an operator to manually guide the missile onto target. The 9M111 Fagot (‘Bassoon’ NATO reporting name: AT-4 Spigot) and 9M113 Konkurs (‘Contest’ NATO: AT-5 Spandrel) were partially co-developed as semi-automatic command to line-of-sight (SACLOS) replacements for the 9M14 Malyutka (Little One NATO: AT-3 Sagger). Markings on the missile tube indicate it was manufactured in 2006. The most advanced variant of the 9M113 missile documented in the hands of non-state actors so far, is a 9M113M missile with upgraded 9N131M2-1 warhead that was captured by IS in Syria (see header image).

In recent months, Konkurs systems have been employed by Houthi forces in Yemen, pro-government fighters and separatist forces in Ukraine, and various Syrian groups, including Ahrar al-Sham and the Syrian Arab Army. The 9M113 Konkurs missile is increasingly commonplace in current and recent conflict zones, and represents a capable, long-range system for its age.

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