Through an image released by local media, it has been revealed that the Armed Forces of Ukraine have recently introduced a new FrankenSAM-type air defense system to their anti-aircraft units. Since the beginning of the conflict, more than three years ago, this type of system has been divided into two main categories. First, those that use Western-origin missiles, such as the RIM-7; and second, those emerging from various initiatives that employ air-to-air missiles used by Ukrainian Air Force fighters, such as the R-73—this latest system being the one revealed a few days ago.
According to a report by the Ukrainian portal Militarnyi on March 20, the 3rd Independent Assault Brigade has received and integrated into its capabilities a new short-range air defense system, whose main visible feature is being equipped with R-73 air-to-air missiles, commonly used by MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters. It appears that the Ukrainian Air Force still possesses a significant stock of these missiles, making them viable for such initiatives and projects.
This fact is not trivial, as one of the key reasons behind the development of FrankenSAM air defense systems is to compensate for Ukraine’s increasingly limited stockpiles of Russian/Soviet-made missiles.
For example, the most well-known system—of which official images have been released for the first time—consists of a Buk-M1 air defense system (NATO reporting name: SA-11 Gadfly) that uses RIM-7 Sea Sparrow naval surface-to-air missiles transferred by the United States, replacing the original 9M38 missiles.
Other notable initiatives that have come to light also make use of R-73 Archer missiles. One such project, Hornet, involves adapting the 9K33 Osa air defense system (NATO: SA-8 Gecko) to use R-73 missiles instead of its original 9M33M3 missiles.
Another case worth highlighting is the recently unveiled Gravehawk system, developed in collaboration with the United Kingdom. This system uses a concealed R-73 missile launcher housed inside a container that can be easily transported by various types of trucks.
However, as the operators of these systems themselves have pointed out, using missiles designed for different platforms comes with certain drawbacks. In the case of the Buk-M1, the RIM-7 has a shorter range compared to the 9M38, forcing crews and mobile systems to operate closer to the front lines, exposing them to the risks of Russian counter-battery and air defense suppression efforts.
Returning to the system unveiled on March 20, it has not been possible to determine precisely which platform has been adapted to launch the R-73 missiles, as this information is classified. According to statements from the command of the 3rd Independent Assault Brigade regarding the system: “Despite the advanced age of the equipment and its limited technical-tactical characteristics, we find ways to modernize them and implement innovative approaches.”
They have also not disclosed which version of the Archer missile is being used from Ukrainian reserves. However, it is believed to be either of the two variants currently employed in FrankenSAM systems: the RMD-1, with a range of up to 20 kilometers, or the RMD-2, with a range of up to 40 kilometers.
Finally, the classified nature of this system should be emphasized. Although the images are not conclusive, they show a specific launch rail for the R-73, suggesting that it might also be compatible with other missiles, such as the ASRAAM supplied by the United Kingdom, which is also mentioned in the report and has reportedly been tested and successfully used in combat.
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