Click to see full-size image. Via Twitter.
Sweden has supplied unknown quantities of its RBS 56B BILL 2 anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) to Kiev forces in secret.
On March 28, a photo showing a Ukrainian service member with a BILL 2 launcher surfaced online. It is still unclear where or when the photo was taken.
The BILL 2 is an upgraded version of the original RBS 56 ATGM that was developed by Sweden Saab Bofors Dynamics. The missile has a semi-automatic command to line-of-sight guidance system, and is controlled via a communications wire that trails behind the missile from the launch tube.
The ATGM has an overfly top attack feature. Its dual warheads, which are designed to bypass reactive packages and penetrate around 550 mm of armor, are equipped with an optical and magnetic sensor. The optical sensor serves to find the target’s range, while the magnetic sensor detects metallic targets to determine the best point for the missile to detonate. The missile is also equipped with an impact fuse for engaging non-armored targets.
The BILL 2 range is limited to 2,200 meters. The ATGM’s launcher is built around a x7 magnification day sight. A thermal imaging sight can be added to enable night time operation.
While the Swedish ATGM is effective, its guidance system makes it vulnerable to infrared jammers like the Shtora-1 system that is installed on most Russian T-80 and T-90 main battle tanks.
Sweden has supplied Kiev forces with loads of weapons, including hundreds of anti-aircraft and air-tank missiles, since the start of the Russian special military operation in Ukraine more than a year ago. The country’s decision to supply Ukraine with BILL 2 ATGMs was likely the result of shortage in other anti-tank systems, like the NLAW.
