Afghanistan's new defense capability; What do you know about the "9M135" missile?!

But what is the Milan Concours (9M135) missile?
This term, which is mentioned in the Ministry of Defense's statement, actually refers to two types of missiles.
AVA News Agency's investigation shows that the Milan (MILAN) missiles, which entered service in the 1970s, and the Concours (9M135), which entered service in the 1980s, are two anti-tank missile systems that are classified as guided missiles (ATGM), and were manufactured by different countries, but have similar uses.
The Milan missile is made in France and Germany, while the Concours is made in Russia. The Milan has a maximum range of 2 km and the Concours has a maximum range of 4 km. The Concours has a higher penetration power than the early versions of the Milan. Both use a semi-automatic guidance system (SACLOS), are guided by wire, and can be used against tanks, armored vehicles, and fortified bunkers. According to the Ministry of Defense, the missile can also be used to target helicopters at close range.

But what exactly is the 9M135 missile?
According to the Ava news agency, the 9M135 (Concours-M) missile is one of the advanced anti-tank guided missiles made in Russia, designed to combat modern tanks, armored vehicles, and even fortified bunkers. Due to its high penetration power, long range, and precise guidance system, the missile is known as an effective weapon in ground battles.

Regarding the technical specifications of this missile, it should be said that the 9M135 missile uses a two-stage (tandem) warhead to penetrate reactive armor (ERA). It has a penetration capacity of up to 750-800 mm in steel armor after passing through reactive armor.
On the other hand, the maximum range of this missile is 4,000 meters, which is sufficient for many modern conflicts.
Flexibility is another feature of this missile that cannot be used in different battlefield conditions. It can be installed on portable tripods or armored vehicles.
A version of this missile is equipped with a thermobaric warhead, which is suitable for targeting trenches, buildings and infantry forces in open space.
Regarding the guidance system of this missile, it should be said that it is semi-automatic guidance by wire (SACLOS), in which the soldier locks the missile on the target and the system automatically adjusts the missile's position.
Therefore, the advantages of this missile include high penetration against modern and reactive armor, long range compared to many similar systems, high accuracy in targeting, and the ability to be carried by personnel or mounted on armored vehicles.
However, as for its disadvantages, the dependence on a wire guidance system that may be limited in crowded areas or with obstacles, as well as the relatively heavy weight compared to some portable anti-tank missiles, are two disadvantages of this type of missile.
This type of missile has been used in Russia and many other countries, including Iran, Syria, India, Algeria, and African countries. This missile has also been used in many modern conflicts, including the Syrian and Ukrainian wars, and has proven its effectiveness in targeting tanks and advanced armor.

But how did this missile end up in Afghanistan?
Anti-tank guided missiles such as the Milan and the Concours (9M135) have been present in Afghanistan for decades. During the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan (1979-1989), Soviet forces used advanced weapons such as anti-tank missiles to fight the Mujahideen. After the withdrawal of Soviet forces, many of these weapons remained in Afghanistan and were used by various groups.
In the following years, especially during the first Islamic Emirate government (1996-2001) and thereafter, there were reports of the use of anti-tank missiles by various armed groups.
According to recent reports, it seems that the country's military forces have taken an official and organized step in recent years to activate and train the use of these missiles in order to increase Afghanistan's defense capabilities against various threats.