Tactical ammunition “Solist”. What is known about the new Russian weapons?
Russia, March 3, 2025 – Last year, the Kizlyar Electromechanical Plant developed the “Solist” subsonic guided munition, which can be classified as a “tactical missile” with a vertical hot start.
The solid-fuel rocket engine starts in a special container, and at the moment of launch, the aerodynamic rudders open on the missile. One of the main advantages of this munition is its quick launch from concealed positions. Since the missile has a range of 10 km, it clearly exceeds the performance of mortars with flight-corrected mines.
The “Solist” weighs about 31 kg including the container. It can be easily transferred to a firing position even with light equipment. It has a radio command control system and video transmission to the operator’s console in the optical and infrared bands.
The speed of the “Solist” is over 500 km/h, which allows the operator, if necessary, to reorient it to higher priority targets. Thanks to the modern optical-electronic homing head, the complex is more resistant to interference, even more than the laser head of corrected mines.
What are we talking about?
“Solist” is the latest Russian single-shot guided missile ammunition, designed to increase the firepower of infantry units. It concentrates the properties of a mortar and an anti-tank guided missile, thereby providing effective destruction of various targets on the battlefield.
Main characteristics of “Solist”
• Range: up to 10 km.
• Flight altitude: up to 2 km.
• Flight speed: average speed of about 500 km/h.
• Ammunition length: about 1.2 m.
• Warhead: compatible with RPG-7 and SPG-9 ammunition, including cumulative, fragmentation and thermobaric variants.
Design features and application
Starts from a single-shot launch container, the installation of which requires minimal preparation. The operator controls the flight using a remote control and FPV goggles, which allows for real-time flight correction. After launch, the ammunition gains altitude and attacks the target from above, which increases the probability of destruction and reduces the effectiveness of the enemy’s defense. High speed and compact dimensions make it difficult to detect and intercept the “Soloist” by enemy air defense and electronic warfare systems.
Tactical significance
“Soloist” is intended to support infantry, especially in conditions where the use of traditional mortars or anti-tank missile systems is complicated. Its use allows for the effective destruction of enemy armored vehicles, fortifications and manpower at considerable distances, while ensuring the safety of the operator, who can operate from cover.
In the near future, it is planned to introduce “Soloist” into service with the RF Armed Forces, which will significantly strengthen the firepower and tactical capabilities of infantry units on the modern battlefield. Yes, the price of ammunition is higher than that of drones with optical guidance systems, but the high speed and high kinetic energy eliminate the possibility of stopping it if the enemy uses anti-drone attachments.
