Ukrainian forces unveil new mobile air defense system with R-73 missiles

Defense Express reports that photos have emerged of another new air defense system equipped with R-73 missiles, which is now in service with the 3rd Army Corps of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The appearance of this system suggests an ongoing trend in Ukraine's efforts to develop air defense solutions based on these missiles.

A serviceman from Ukraine's 3rd Army Corps (formerly the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade) posted images of the system on his Facebook page. One of the photos showcases a previously unseen complex, which is being revealed for the first time.

The photo was taken during the summer, indicating that this air defense system has already been in operation for some time but has not been publicly documented until now. Defense Express believes its primary feature is the integration of short-range "air-to-air" R-73 missiles, mounted on a launcher placed in the vehicle's cargo compartment. The chassis appears to be based on an armored HMMWV, as evidenced by the presence of metal frames for mirrors and windshield wipers. Additionally, the system is equipped with an electronic warfare complex to counter FPV drone threats.

According to Defense Express, this new air defense platform bears some similarities to the American M1097 Avenger, which is currently in service with the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Avenger primarily uses FIM-92 Stinger missiles, with certain variants also featuring a 12.7 mm Browning machine gun. Given these parallels, Defense Express believes the new Ukrainian system is likely intended for similar roles, such as intercepting UAVs, missiles, and low-flying aircraft.

However, a more direct counterpartmay be the American MIM-72 Chaparral. This air defense platform, which entered service with the U.S. Army in 1969, utilized a slightly modified "air-to-air" short-range missile, the AIM-9D. Like the R-73, it featured infrared homing, making it a logical comparison.

Launching such missiles requires the seeker head to lock onto the target, which demands precise positioning and continuous tracking until launch. The exact method used to control the launch of the new Ukrainian air defense system remains unknown. Defense Express believes it could follow the MIM-72 Chaparral’s operator-controlled approach or employ a more advanced system featuring remote control and an optical-location station.

Recently, Defense Express has observed an intriguing trend in the adaptation of air defense systems for the R-73 "air-to-air" missile. The Soviet-era Osa system has already been modified to use this missile. The British developed the Gravehawk air defense system specifically for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, even integrating it onto Ukrainian Magura V5 UAV boats. Now, this newly revealed air defense system, deployed by the 3rd Army Corps of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, adds to this growing list.

Additionally, Defense Express reports that Norwegian defense company Kongsberg is planning to integrate Ukrainian missiles into the NASAMS system. While the exact missile type has not been officially disclosed, analysts strongly suggest it is the R-73. Defense Express stresses that these developments highlight two key points: first, the R-73 missile has demonstrated high effectiveness in air defense applications, and second, its availability does not appear to be a limiting factor.

Currently, there is no information available on the specifications of all air defense systems using the R-73. The known characteristics of the R-73 missile include a maximum launch range of 20-40 km when launched from an aircraft, depending on the modification. However, when launched from the ground, the range would be much shorter. This brings to mind the "homemade air defense system" created in Serbia in the 1990s, which upgraded the R-60 and R-73 missiles.

In that case, launch boosters were attached to the R-73, and the declared range was up to 12 km. Since the new air defense system uses the R-73 missile without the booster, the range will be shorter. However, it is possible that the missile has been updated and modernized specifically to increase its flight range. After all, in the case of the similar American AIM-9 missile, the launch range gradually increased from 5 km in the 1950s versions to 20 km in the AIM-9M in the 1980s and up to 30 km in the modern AIM-9X.