SOURCE: AFI
The adaptation of air-to-air missiles for surface-to-air applications has been a notable strategic move by both the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the Indian Air Force (IAF). Here’s a comparative analysis of how each has utilized Soviet/Russian missile technology in their own innovative ways:
The Ukrainian military has modified its Soviet-era 9K33 Osa (SA-8 Gecko) short-range air defence systems to fire R-73 (NATO reporting name: AA-11 Archer) air-to-air missiles. This modification was part of a project supported by the Ukrainian charity, “Come Back Alive,” which aimed to enhance Ukraine’s air defence capabilities amidst ongoing conflicts.
The R-73 is an infrared-guided missile, allowing the launcher to move immediately after firing, unlike the original 9M33 missiles of the Osa, which require constant guidance to the target. This “fire and forget” capability is particularly useful in mobile engagements where the threat of counterattack is high.
Using existing stockpiles of R-73 missiles, Ukraine has managed to extend the utility of its aging Osa systems, providing a cost-effective solution to the shortage of specific SAM munitions. The modification allows for a dual capability where the same launcher can be used for both R-73 and the original 9M33 missiles, offering flexibility in missile choice based on the nature of the aerial threat.
The Indian Air Force’s Surface-to-Air Missile for Assured Retaliation (SAMAR) system is another example of adapting air-to-air missiles for ground-based air defense. The SAMAR integrates both R-73 and R-27T (AA-10 Alamo) missiles onto a truck-mounted platform.
Combining the R-73, with its excellent short-range capabilities, and the R-27T, which offers a longer engagement range, provides a layered defense against various aerial threats. Being truck-mounted, SAMAR offers high mobility, allowing for rapid deployment and relocation, which is crucial in dynamic battlefield scenarios.
Utilizing available missile stocks for a new role extends the life and utility of these weapons, providing an economical solution to enhance air defense. Combining two different missile types with varying guidance systems (infrared for R-73 and semi-active radar homing for R-27T) adds layers of complexity to the launcher’s system, potentially impacting operational readiness.
While the R-27T offers longer range, it’s still less than dedicated SAM systems, and both missiles might struggle with high-altitude targets due to their original design for air-to-air combat.
Both Ukraine and India have demonstrated ingenuity by repurposing air-to-air missiles for ground-based air defence, addressing immediate needs with existing resources. Ukraine’s modification provides a more straightforward, immediate solution by focusing on one missile type with a “fire and forget” capability, which is particularly beneficial in a conflict where mobility and survivability are paramount. India’s SAMAR, however, offers a broader spectrum of engagement with two missile types, potentially providing a more layered defence, though at the cost of increased operational complexity.