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Ukraine Unveils RK-2PZ Surface-to-Air Missile Based on Barrier Anti-Tank Missile
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Ukraine’s state defense conglomerate Ukroboronprom has unveiled a new anti-aircraft missile designed for upgraded Strela-10 surface-to-air missile systems and the new Desna air defense system, Militarnyi reported from the MSPO defense exhibition in Poland on September 8.
The new RK-2PZ surface-to-air missile was developed on the basis of the Barrier anti-tank guided missile, itself a modification of the R-2 missile family.
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The RK-2PZ has a caliber of 130 mm and carries a 6.1-kilogram warhead. The missile itself weighs 28.9 kilograms, while its total weight in the launch container reaches 47 kilograms.
After receiving target designation, the operator selects a target for automatic tracking using a control panel and either the television or thermal imaging channel of the system’s optical targeting station.
Once launched from its container, the missile is guided toward the target using a laser guidance system. As it approaches, a proximity sensor is activated to initiate the high-explosive fragmentation warhead. In the event of a direct hit, a contact sensor triggers the warhead.
The RK-2PZ is intended for use with upgraded Strela-10 air defense systems, also known as Ryf. The modernized system retains the original Strela-10’s MT-LB tracked chassis, launcher rotation mechanism, and operator station.
The Ryf underwent its first live-fire tests in December 2021.
The missile is also intended for the new Desna air defense system. Unlike the upgraded Strela-10 platform, Desna is a newly developed launcher module for RK-2PZ missiles that will be mounted on a chassis that has not yet been publicly demonstrated.
According to Militarnyi, detailed performance specifications for both the RK-2PZ missile and the Desna air defense system have not been publicly disclosed.
During the exhibition, Ukraine has also revealed the launcher for its Koral surface-to-air missile for the first time, showcasing an upgraded system intended to engage both conventional aerial threats and ballistic targets.
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