Missile 9M123 Khrizantema (AT-15 Springer)

The 9M123 Khrizantema, designated as the AT-15 Springer in NATO, is a Russian anti-tank guided missile system developed by the KBM Engineering Design Bureau. Introduced into service in the late 1990s, it is one of the more modern and sophisticated anti-tank systems in the Russian military's arsenal.

What sets the Khrizantema apart from other anti-tank systems is its dual guidance system. It can operate in either automatic radar-guided or manual laser beam-riding modes, making it versatile in different combat scenarios and less susceptible to countermeasures. The radar-guided mode allows for fire-and-forget capability, freeing the operator once the missile is launched.

The Khrizantema is equipped with a tandem warhead designed to defeat reactive and composite armor, making it effective against modern main battle tanks. It also offers a thermobaric warhead variant for use against fortified or entrenched positions.

The system has an effective range that extends up to about 6,000 meters, one of the longest among anti-tank guided missiles. It can be launched from a dedicated vehicle, the 9P157, based on the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle chassis. This launch vehicle can carry two missiles ready for launch and an additional 14 in storage, allowing it to engage multiple targets quickly.

However, the Khrizantema is a relatively expensive system, and its vehicle launcher is also resource-intensive. The dual guidance system, while offering versatility, also adds to the complexity and cost. Additionally, the system's weight and size make it less mobile and harder to deploy in constrained or rugged terrains compared to lighter, man-portable anti-tank systems.