On November 22, 2023, Roketsan achieved a historic milestone with the successful long-range test of its Extended Long Range Anti-Tank Missile System (LUMTAS-GM). This precision-guided anti-tank missile (ATGM) showcased its exceptional capabilities by accurately striking a target at an impressive distance of 16 km, solidifying Roketsan's position as the provider of the world's longest-range ATGM.
The LUMTAS-GM's remarkable 16 km range surpasses the operational capabilities of leading Russian, American, Chinese, and French ATGMs. While the Russian Vikhr-1 and the advanced version of the Kornet have a range of up to 10 km, the American FGM-148 Javelin reaches a maximum of 4.75 km. Other notable ATGMs like the American BGM-71 TOW 2B RF, Chinese HJ-12, French-German Milan-ER, and Russian 9M113 Konkurs have ranges ranging from 3 to 4.5 km. Remarkably, the LUMTAS-GM's ground launcher range of 16 km could potentially extend beyond 20 km when launched from a helicopter.
The UMTAS (Uzun Menzilli Tanksavar Sistemi) serves as the foundation for the LUMTAS-GM, representing a modern long-range air-to-surface anti-tank guided missile developed by Roketsan. Unveiled at the IDEF 2023 exhibition, the LUMTAS-GM marks a significant leap forward in Roketsan's precision-guided missile technology. The UMTAS-GM Long-Range Anti-Tank System – Future Combat System is meticulously designed for versatility, seamlessly integrating into various platforms, including airborne, naval, and land systems.
The development of UMTAS-GM comprises two phases: Block-1 and Block-2. The Block-1 variant boasts a sophisticated dual-seeker configuration with imaging-infrared (IIR) and semi-active laser (SAL) seekers, complemented by a bidirectional radio frequency (RF) datalink. The upcoming Block-2 variant introduces a novel dual-mode seeker housing an IIR and a TV seeker. This advanced seeker configuration, coupled with a tandem armor-piercing warhead, enhances the missile's ability to identify and engage targets with unparalleled precision.
The UMTAS-GM's adaptability to diverse platforms, combined with its exceptional precision guidance and destructive capabilities, positions it as an unparalleled anti-tank weapon system capable of neutralizing both stationary and moving targets in various operational scenarios. Unlike its predecessor, the UMTAS, the LUMTAS-GM is launched from a canister. Upon launch, four wings unfold backward, contributing to the missile's enhanced gliding performance and extended range.
With a weight of 41.3 kg (66.3 kg with the canister) and a length of 1.72 m, the LUMTAS-GM's specifications showcase its advanced capabilities. The Gelecegin Muharebe Sistemi (Future Combat System) version of the missile (UMTAS-GM) displayed in 2023 features dual IIR/SAL seekers in a flat split-design nose, a bidirectional RF datalink in a cylindrical body, and an aligned, cruciform fold-out wing and aft fin assembly.
The successful development and testing of the LUMTAS-GM signify a watershed moment for Roketsan and the Turkish defense industry. This achievement underscores Turkey's remarkable emergence as a key player in the global defense market. Beyond missile systems, Turkey's expanding defense capabilities encompass a range of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), attack helicopters, and ground vehicles like the Otokar Cobra II, gaining worldwide recognition.
The LUMTAS-GM's groundbreaking capabilities and Turkey's burgeoning defense prowess are poised to reshape the landscape of anti-tank warfare and further solidify the country's position as a leading force in the global defense arena.
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Land Force