Russia Promotes Upgraded Chrysanthemum-M Anti-Tank Missile with Extended Range and Supersonic Capabilities

Russian Media Highlights Chrysanthemum-M Upgrades

Russian defense media outlets are currently engaged in a promotional campaign for the upgraded 9M123M 'Chrysanthemum-M' anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). The renewed focus emphasizes the missile's extended operational range and its inherent supersonic speed. This promotion, observed as recently as February 20, 2026, by some defense analysts, suggests a concerted effort to underscore the capabilities of this advanced weapon system.

Key Enhancements and Core Capabilities

The 9M123M 'Chrysanthemum-M' is an evolution of the original 'Khrizantema' system, which entered service in 2005. Developed by the KBM (Kolomna-based Design Bureau of Machine-Building), part of Rostec's High Precision Systems Holding Company, the missile is designed to neutralize modern and future main battle tanks, armored vehicles, and even low-flying aerial targets under various combat conditions.

• Extended Range: A significant upgrade to the 9M123M variant is its reported maximum engagement range, which has been extended to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). This marks an increase from the previous range of 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) for earlier versions.
• Supersonic Speed: The missile maintains its supersonic flight capability, with an average speed of approximately 400 meters per second (Mach 1.2), and some sources indicating speeds up to 550 m/s (Mach 1.3-1.9). This characteristic has been a hallmark of the 'Chrysanthemum' system since its initial design in the 1990s.
• Dual Guidance System: A core feature of the 'Chrysanthemum' family is its advanced dual guidance architecture. It can employ both an automatic radar (millimeter-wave) and a semi-automatic laser beam riding guidance system. This allows for simultaneous engagement of two distinct targets and provides robust resistance to electronic countermeasures and adverse weather conditions, including smoke and fog.
• Warhead Options: The missile is equipped with a powerful tandem-charge high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead, capable of penetrating 1,100 to 1,250 mm of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) behind explosive reactive armor (ERA). A thermobaric warhead variant (9M123F) is also available for engaging soft-skinned targets, fortifications, and personnel.

Deployment Platforms and Historical Context

The 'Chrysanthemum-M' missile is primarily launched from the 9P157-2 Khrizantema-S tank destroyer, a vehicle based on the highly mobile BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle chassis. This platform can carry up to 15 missiles in an automated magazine, with a rapid reload time. The upgraded 9M123M variant has also been adapted for use on Russian attack helicopters, specifically the Mi-28NM 'Havoc' and Ka-52 'Alligator'.

While Russian media narratives often present these capabilities as recent breakthroughs, some elements, such as the missile's supersonic speed, have been integral to the 'Chrysanthemum' design for decades. The modernized 9M123M variant itself was reportedly first showcased at the Army-2018 military forum. Trials for a modernized version with improved radar, electronics, and other enhancements were completed in 2016.