The Kornet-E is a highly capable and modern Russian-made anti-tank guided missile system used by the Pakistan Army. It is an export variant of the Russian 9M133 Kornet. Unlike the wire-guided systems, the Kornet-E uses a more advanced SACLOS laser-beam riding guidance system. This method is more resistant to electronic jamming and provides a longer effective range of up to 8 kilometers for certain variants. The Kornet-E’s tandem-charge HEAT warhead is exceptionally powerful, with a reported penetration capability of up to 1,200 mm of Rolled Homogeneous Armor (RHA) behind Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA). A key tactical advantage of the Kornet-E is its ability to fire two missiles at once from a single launcher onto different laser channels, which can overwhelm an adversary’s active protection systems or missile defenses. The missile’s high accuracy and long range also make it effective against low-flying aerial targets like helicopters. The Kornet-E can be launched from a man-portable tripod or mounted on a vehicle, providing flexibility for both infantry and mechanized units. Its presence in the Pakistani arsenal provides a significant upgrade in anti-armor firepower against the most modern main battle tanks.
- Type: Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM)
- Guidance: Semi-Automatic Command to Line of Sight (SACLOS) laser-beam riding
- Range: Up to 8 km
- Warhead: Tandem-charge HEAT
- Key Feature: Laser-guided, jam-resistant, and capable of firing a salvo
