9M120

The 9M120 Ataka is a Russian anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system. It is a SACLOS (Semi-Automatic Command to Line of Sight) weapon, meaning the operator must keep the target in sight for the missile to track and engage. The missile is propelled by a solid-fuel rocket motor. It is typically launched from a tripod or vehicle-mounted launcher.

The 9M120 is a relatively modern design, intended to engage a variety of armored vehicles, including tanks with modern composite armor and reactive armor. It can also be used against fortifications and low-flying helicopters. The missile has a tandem-charge warhead designed to defeat explosive reactive armor (ERA) by first detonating the ERA and then engaging the main armor with the second charge.

Several variants of the 9M120 exist, differing primarily in their warhead type and guidance systems. There are versions with HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank) warheads for armored targets and fragmentation warheads for soft-skinned vehicles and personnel. Some versions also incorporate advanced guidance technologies to improve accuracy and resistance to countermeasures. The missile has a stated range of up to 6 kilometers, depending on the specific variant and launch conditions. It has been exported to numerous countries and is in service with various military forces.