Ukraine Modernizes Osa SAM Systems with Advanced R-73 Missiles for Stronger Air Defense

The Come Back Alive Foundation  has upgraded the ‘Osa’ surface-to-air missile systems (SAMs) for Ukraine’s Defense Forces, investing over 14 million hryvnias (approximately $378,000) as part of the HORNET project to bolster air defense capabilities.

This enhances the effectiveness of the ‘Osa’ systems in intercepting drones, helicopters, aircraft, and missiles.

“All anti-aircraft missile regiments of the Ukrainian Ground Forces equipped with ‘Osa’ systems have received the upgraded SAMs,” the foundation reported.

The modernization enables the use of not only standard 9M33M3 surface-to-air missiles, which are in short supply, but also R-73 air-to-air missiles, which Ukraine has in ample stock.

“The R-73 missile has a significant advantage because it operates on a ‘fire-and-forget’ principle, eliminating the need for continuous guidance, unlike the standard ‘Osa’ missiles,” the foundation explained. After launching the R-73, operators can immediately reposition to avoid retaliatory strikes.

This modernization mirrors the FrankenSAM program in Ukraine's Air Force, supported by the US, but focuses on upgrading missiles and systems already in service since the 1970s.

The R-73, depending on its variant, can engage targets up to 40 km in the forward hemisphere and up to 300 meters in the rear. The upgraded "Osa" systems detect and track targets, align launchers, and launch R-73 missiles, which can lock onto targets either before or after being fired.

Previously, it was announced that a new missile is being successfully tested in Ukraine. The domestically produced missile, called ‘Ruta,’ was highlighted by Zelenskyy as a symbol of Ukraine’s technological progress.

Additionally, on December 6, first batch of domestically produced Peklo  rocket drones was delivered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, marking the first series of Ukrainian-made rocket drones to enter serial production and be officially transferred to the military.