Yes, it is true of what DRG reports. Here is more on the weapon:
"There are two versions of the 9K119 system, both using a virtually identical missile: the Refleks and the Svir. The Refleks is the version of the 9K119 used on the T-80U, T-80UD and T-90E tanks, while the Svir (`sniper') is the version used with the non-stabilised sights on the T-72B and T-72S tanks. The main difference between the two is the type of fire-control system used to guide the missiles. The Refleks uses a 9S517 automatic control unit with a laser emitter located within the gunner's primary sight, while the Svir is used with the separate 1K13 sight. The Refleks round has a range of 5,000 m, 1,000 m more than that of the Svir."
However, the deployment dates are interesting:
"It is understood that the Refleks entered service in 1984 and that the Svir entered service in 1994."
This information was found on Jane's Ammunition Handbook, which is well regarded, but does not mean it is total fact.
We may never know...
