It was developed by the Special Mortar Design Bureau (SKB Gladkostvolnoi artillerii) in Kolomna who were also responsible for the AT-3 Sagger.
•
The 3M6 Shmel was based on the western ATGMs of the time such as the Nord Aviation SS.10, however it is considerably larger.
The line was held by the Greek-Cypriot 399th infantry battalion reinforced with two 3M6 Shmel missile launchers, 4 106mm recoilless rifles and 12 6-pounder gun anti-tank guns.