Kyiv, Ukraine — In a recent development from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a Telegram account shared a remarkable video capturing the moment an ATGM TOW missile was fired from the roof of an American military vehicle, the M1167 HMMWV.
What makes this incident particularly intriguing is the confirmation that the TOW-2B missile, developed in 1992, is now in the hands of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This missile possesses the capability to strike its target from above, thanks to its magnetic and optical sensor, which triggers the detonation of two shock cores upon simultaneous activation. This design allows the missile to target the most vulnerable part of an enemy armored vehicle – its roof.
Notably, the TOW-2B missile automatically flies 2.25 meters above the operator’s aiming line, with the operator aligning the sight at the center of the target. However, it’s essential to highlight that the missile doesn’t distinguish between friendly or enemy forces or between destroyed and undestroyed equipment. Therefore, the operator must exercise caution to ensure the missile doesn’t detonate prematurely. This rocket boasts an impressive flight distance of 3.75 kilometers, which it covers in just 21 seconds.
The Enhanced HMMWV Version
It’s worth recalling that the United States supplied M1167 HMMWVs to Ukraine last year, with these vehicles being a standard modification of the HMMWV. Since then, this platform has undergone significant upgrades.
For instance, in early March, AM General announced the availability of one of the latest HMMWV versions, the Humvee Saber, in international markets. This vehicle is capable of launching Switchblade 300/600 loitering ammunition, marking a notable addition to its arsenal. The Humvee Saber was initially introduced by AM General in 2022 during the local exhibition AUSA.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time cameras have captured a similar configuration in Ukraine. In late September the previous year, BulgarianMilitary.com released a short video from Ukraine, showcasing the launch of a BGM-71 TOW-guided ATGM mounted on a Humvee.
The 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine
On February 21, 2022, Russia alleged that Ukrainian shelling had destroyed an FSB border facility, claiming the lives of five Ukrainian soldiers who had allegedly attempted to cross into Russian territory. Ukraine vehemently denied any involvement in these incidents, labeling them as false flag operations.
On the same day, the Russian government formally recognized the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR), not only within their de-facto controlled areas but across entire Ukrainian oblasts. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian troops, including tanks, to enter these regions.
It was on February 24, 2022, when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine by Russian Armed Forces that had been previously amassed along the border. The invasion was accompanied by targeted airstrikes on military facilities and the entry of tanks via the Belarusian border.
Russia has refrained from acknowledging the invasion of Ukraine as a “war,” instead terming it a “special military operation.” However, it is important to note that, according to the United Nations, a “special military operation” can only occur following a UN resolution, which has not been issued. Therefore, the ongoing situation can be accurately described as an invasion and war against Ukraine.
