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War in Ukraine

How Ukraine Is Turning Iconic US Humvees into Mobile Missile Systems with R-73 Upgrade

Maksym Zaichenko, a soldier from Ukraine’s 3rd Separate Assault Brigade.

Ukraine is rapidly modernizing its defense, integrating R-73 missiles into multiple platforms—the latest being the Humvee, now reborn as a mobile close-range air defense system.

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Jessica_daly
Jess Daly
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Ukraine’s defense industry has developed a new mobile air defense system based on the High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), better known as Humvee. 

The centerpiece of this modernization is the integration of the R-73 missile, a trend that is becoming more common among other Ukrainian weapon systems. 

Ukraine already operates around 5,000 Humvees in various modifications. The Humvee can drive similarly to civilian cars, reducing the need for extensive training. They can also navigate through Ukraine’s cities as many defensive lines weave through urban areas.

Humvees are used for combat and logistics missions and are often seen as platforms for heavy weapons and other modifications, such as mounted machine guns for offensive operations.

The M1152 variant, a two-seater configuration, is often fitted with launchers for multiple rocket systems, air defense missile systems, and other mounted weaponry. 

Given the scale of HMMWV usage, Ukraine has established a repair and maintenance system to sustain operations. 

“Despite the age and limited tactical and technical capabilities, we find ways to modernize and apply innovative solutions,” said Maksym Zaichenko, a soldier from Ukraine’s 3rd Separate Assault Brigade.

Features of the Humvee-based air defense system

The newly developed HMMWV has only retained its original vehicle platform and now has a new cabin and missile launcher installed. 

R-73 air-to-air missiles have been mounted in a twin-launcher configuration on the Humvee truck bed, meaning the missiles will now be ground-launched. The truck also has an electronic warfare (EW) system for protection against drone attacks.

Ukraine’s 3rd Assault Brigade is already working with the newly modernized platform and said that old hardware does not mean the end of its life.

Ukrainian soldiers of the 111th Brigade operate a Humvee equipped with a Soviet-era Grad launcher near Toretsk, Donetsk region, January 23, 2025. (Source: Getty Images)
Ukrainian soldiers of the 111th Brigade operate a Humvee equipped with a Soviet-era Grad launcher near Toretsk, Donetsk region, January 23, 2025. (Source: Getty Images)

“We reimagined the platform while preserving its key advantages—maneuverability and mobility,” the brigade said. “The air-to-air missile is now ground-launched: ‘fire and forget’—the missile locks onto its target, the air defense system relocates, and our troops remain protected.”

The Vympel R-73, NATO reporting name being AA-11 Archer, air-to-air missile is a short-range, infrared-guided missile reportedly renowned for its exceptional maneuverability and high off-boresight targeting capabilities. It carries a high-explosive fragmentation warhead and travels at a range of 20-40km. 

Other weapon systems that have integrated the R-73 missiles

Ukraine has an abundance of R-73 missiles. The UK and Denmark recently repurposed the Gravehawk Mobile Air Defense System to integrate the R-73 missiles converting them from air-to-air missiles–like the Humvee–to becoming ground-launched.

The 9K33 Osa–wasp in English, NATO reporting name SA-8 Gecko– short-range tactical surface-to-air missile systems in service with the Ukrainian Armed Forces have also been modernized to use the R-73 missiles. 

R-73 missiles have also been mounted onto Ukraine’s Magura V5 maritime drones.

 Modification of the 9K33 Osa with the r-73 (Source: Come Back Alive Foundation)
 Modification of the 9K33 Osa with the r-73 (Source: Come Back Alive Foundation)

The Norwegian company Kongsberg is also planning to integrate an unspecified Ukrainian missile into the NASAMS surface-to-air system, Ukraine's defense outlet Defense Express reported. The exact model has not been disclosed, but the R-73 is a strong candidate. 

Ukraine’s latest developed HMMWV marks another step in the country’s ongoing effort to expand and modernize its air defense capabilities.

Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister Valerii Churkin emphasized that expanding domestic arms production is key to Ukraine’s military resilience.

“Technical interoperability with partner armies is a fundamental necessity for strengthening our military,” Churkin added.

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