An unknown missile appeared in images released by President Volodymyr Zelensky and raised suspicions that Ukraine may be developing a new solution to keep Osa-AKM air defense systems operational.
A new anti-aircraft missile has been shown in Ukraine and may have been designed for use in Soviet-era Osa-AKM air defense systems, which are still widely used by Ukrainian forces. The information gained traction after analysis of images from the Ukrainian Armorer’s Day video published by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
According to an assessment published by the Militarnyi website, the weapon seen in the images bears strong resemblance to Soviet missiles from the 9M33 family, especially the 9M33M3 version used by the Osa-AKM system. Notable features include the characteristic rear fins, the overall shape of the missile body, the launch rail, and the configuration of the front fins.
Despite the visual similarities, it is still unclear whether the weapon shown is a locally produced copy of a Soviet missile using new components, or a more advanced design with structural changes and potential performance improvements. So far, no official data has been released regarding the designation, capabilities, or development stage of this new model.
The Osa-AKM is a Soviet all-weather surface-to-air missile system designed to protect moving troops as well as strategic targets against aircraft and cruise missiles. This version remains the primary variant of the system in service with Ukrainian forces.
Each self-propelled launcher, in full combat configuration, can carry six guided 9M33M3 missiles. This missile has a mass of 126.3 kg, with 15 kg allocated to the warhead. Its length is 3,158 mm, with a diameter of 206 mm and a wingspan of 650 mm. Guidance is provided via radio command.
In terms of performance, the 9M33M3 reaches speeds of up to 500 m/s. Target detection range can reach 45 km, while the engagement zone ranges from 1,500 to 10,000 meters. Operational altitude lies between 25 and 5,000 meters, with a course parameter of ±6,000 meters.
Based on experience gained since the beginning of the war between Ukraine and Russia, Osa systems have proven highly effective in the hands of Ukrainian forces, especially throughout 2022 and part of 2023, when they helped shoot down a significant number of Russian drones and cruise missiles. However, the natural wear of conflict and the rapid consumption of ammunition have reduced available stockpiles, gradually limiting the intensity of use of these systems.
As a partial response to this issue, the Come Back Alive foundation has worked on modernizing Osa systems used by Ukraine’s Defense Forces. After these upgrades, the systems gained the ability to operate not only with the now-scarce 9M33M3 surface-to-air missiles, but also with R-73 air-to-air missiles, which Ukraine has in greater supply.
The emergence of this new missile, if confirmed to be compatible with the Osa-AKM, could represent an important effort to extend the operational life of a system that remains relevant on the battlefield. In a scenario where resupplying Soviet-era munitions has become increasingly difficult, such local solutions may play a strategic role in Ukraine’s air defense.
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Source and images: Militarnyi | X @ZelenskyyUa. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
