ROKETSAN stated that the production of the laser-guided L-OMTAS ATGM is ongoing, which was unveiled during SAHA EXPO 2024 as a cheaper alternative to OMTAS.
L-OMTAS, with a laser seeker and a lower cost compared to the baseline IIR seeker-fitted OMTAS medium-range ATGM, is continuing its production run.
While there is a lower amount of input needed from the operator, an IIR seeker is considerably more expensive and takes more effort to produce compared to a laser seeker. On the other hand, a laser seeker requires target designation until impact.
In addition to having a lower cost, L-OMTAS also has a slightly longer range at 5.5 km, compared to four kilometres of baseline OMTAS.
Aside from the tank hunting role with tandem shaped charge warhead, the alternative warheads for L-OMTAS, such as thermobaric and HE-FRAG types, offer optimised effect against structures or soft targets.
Considering the similar role and operating principle, it is understood that L-OMTAS is aimed at succeeding the legacy Kornet-E ATGMs used onboard some of the KAPLAN STA and PARS STA anti-tank vehicles, as well as tripods.
Additionally, the Turkish Army going for a simpler medium-range ATGM alongside the IIR-guided OMTAS shows that an emphasis is placed on the adoption in large numbers after the introduction of a more capable missile compared to the legacy ATGMs of the same range class.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
