ATGMs were crucial in defeating the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s, where a much weaker force successfully took on a superpower. They also played a key role in Russia’s heavy losses during the First Chechen War. Ukraine has a large selection of ATGMs, including domestically built systems like the Skiff, as well as imported systems like Javelin and MBT Law. These weapons are relatively inexpensive, require minimal maintenance, and can be easily concealed, making them a real threat to any unsuspecting enemy.

One of the benefits of ATGMs is their flexibility. They can be operated by a single person or a small team, and can be used against a variety of targets, including tanks, armored vehicles, and even bunkers. Additionally, they have been used with great success in recent conflicts, such as in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Despite the potential of ATGMs, they are not without their limitations. Newer Russian tanks, for example, are equipped with advanced radar and sensors that can detect and counter ATGMs. However, Ukraine’s ATGMs have evolved to keep pace with these countermeasures, incorporating multiple forms of guidance and making them harder to jam or destroy.

Ultimately, Ukraine’s ATGMs are not a silver bullet that can win a war against a more powerful foe. However, they can make a significant impact and increase the cost of any invasion for Russia, potentially deterring them from launching an attack in the first place.