MOSCOW, December 23. /TASS/. The Kalashnikov Concern has developed and started shipping a modified version of the Vikhr-1 aviation missile with improved combat capabilities, Kalashnikov CEO Alan Lushnikov said in an interview with TASS.

The Russian Defense Ministry regularly reports on elimination of Western-made armored vehicles with such missiles. The experts note that, due to its tandem warhead, the Vikhr missile is capable of destroying almost any Western-made tank.

"We have established the production of a new modification named Vikhr-1 with expanded combat capabilities. I will not comment on that in any further detail, it is our client’s prerogative. But I can say that we have established serial production and already make shipments," Lushnikov said.

Earlier in August, Lushnikov told TASS that the company was working in cooperation with production enterprises on adapting the Vikhr-1 missile to be used from drones.

The Vikhr guided missile is designed to destroy ground moving armored targets with reactive armor, as well as medium-speed airborne targets (helicopters, assault planes and drones). This year, Rostec announced that the use of this munition in the special military operation area has been expanded. The state corporation said that these missiles are now being used to destroy not only enemy armored vehicles, but also Ukrainian gun emplacements and concealed targets.