Russia's Izdeliye 305 (LMUR) Missile

  • 21 Oct 2024

In News:

Russian state corporation Rostec has claimed that its Light Multipurpose Guided Rocket, also known as Izdeliye 305 or “Product 305,” has demonstrated remarkable resistance to jamming and interference on the battlefield in Ukraine.

Missile Overview

  • Name: Izdeliye 305 (Product 305), also known as LMUR (Light Multipurpose Guided Rocket)
  • Primary Use: Deployed by Russia’s Mi-28NM and Ka-52M attack helicopters.
  • Function: Designed to target and destroy armored vehicles, fortifications, pillboxes, and watercraft with high precision.

Key Features

  • Sniper-Like Accuracy: The missile is touted for its exceptional precision in targeting, making it one of Russia’s most successful guided weapons.
  • Resistance to Jamming: The missile’s control channel has shown remarkable resistance to enemy electronic warfare (EW) systems, making it effective even in contested environments.
    • No instances of the missile's control channel being suppressed during the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
  • Versatile Guidance Systems: The missile operates in several modes:
    • Fire-and-Forget: The missile locks onto the target before launch and operates autonomously post-launch.
    • Remote Control Mode: The operator guides the missile to the target after it locks onto coordinates and transmits live imagery to the operator’s screen.
    • Inertial + Homing Mode: The missile initially flies inertially toward target coordinates, then activates its homing system for final target guidance.
  • High Explosive Warhead: Equipped with a 25-kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead, the LMUR is effective against a variety of targets.

Technical Specifications

  • Weight: 105 kg (231 lbs)
  • Range: Up to 9 miles, double the range of traditional Russian anti-tank missiles, providing the tactical advantage of engaging from beyond line-of-sight.
  • Warhead: 25 kg high-explosive fragmentation for effective target destruction.
  • Guidance: A combination of inertial navigation, satellite positioning, thermal imaging, and a two-way communication channel for real-time control.

Deployment and Use

  • Helicopter Integration: Primarily used on Mi-28NM and Ka-52M attack helicopters, and also on the Mi-8MNP-2 for special operations.
  • Combat Experience:
    • The missile was actively used in Ukraine where it played a key role in countering Ukraine’s NATO-backed counteroffensive operations.
    • It was previously tested in Syria against various targets, showcasing its capabilities before full operational deployment in 2022.

Significance in Ukraine Conflict

  • Impact on Ukrainian Forces: The missile’s long range and resistance to EW have made it a critical component of Russia’s aerial operations, hampering Ukraine’s battlefield progress, particularly against heavily fortified positions and NATO-backed counteroffensive efforts.

Strategic Advantage: The missile’s ability to engage targets from a distance while evading jamming attempts gives it a significant edge in modern warfare.