Ukraine develops new domestically produced missile for the Osa-AKM air defense system.
Ukraine's new anti-aircraft missile system is designed based on the Soviet 9M33 platform, aiming to address the shortage of ammunition and improve combat effectiveness.
Ukraine is striving to achieve self-sufficiency in air defense equipment by developing a new missile for the Osa-AKM system. This information emerged after analysis of images from a video by President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed fragments of an unidentified missile with identifying characteristics similar to the Soviet 9M33 missile.
Specifications and identification of the new missile.
Based on published documents, the new missile model's external appearance, particularly the rear control fins, is almost identical to the 9M33M3 anti-aircraft missile. Military experts believe this could be a Ukrainian-made replica using modern components, replacing older parts from the Soviet era.
The launch guidance system and the structure of the leading fins of this projectile also show great similarity to the prototype. However, detailed characteristics regarding the range and effective altitude of this domestic version have not yet been specifically released.
The combat capabilities of the Osa-AKM system
The Osa-AKM is a mobile, low-altitude air defense missile system designed to protect critical targets from aircraft and cruise missiles. Before the introduction of new ammunition, this system typically used the 9M33M3 missile with the following standard specifications:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Launch mass | 126.3 kg |
| Warhead weight | 15 kg |
| Maximum range | 10,000 m |
| Combat altitude | 25 - 5,000 m |
| Maximum flight speed | 500 m/s |
Although the Osa-AKM proved effective in shooting down unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during 2022-2023, the depletion of ammunition reserves forced Ukraine to seek alternative solutions.
Modernization solutions and the T382 project.
In addition to developing new domestic ammunition, Ukraine has also upgraded the Osa-AKM system to fire R-73 air-to-air missiles. This is an effective stopgap solution, utilizing the existing supply of infrared-guided missiles in the air force's arsenal.
Notably, Ukraine's Luch Design Bureau previously developed the T382 missile project for the T38 Stilet system (an upgraded version of the Osa). The T382 missile boasts superior specifications with a range of up to 20 km and a maximum speed of 850 m/s. Restarting or applying technology from this project to a new missile could double the defensive range of the current Osa-AKM system.
