Ukraine has unveiled a newly developed mobile air defense system that utilizes the chassis of the US High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, commonly known as the Humvee. This innovative approach sees the original vehicle significantly modified to enhance both maneuverability and mobility, which are crucial aspects in modern warfare.
The modified surface-to-air missile vehicle incorporates a completely new cabin design and features an advanced missile launch system that operates on a “fire-and-forget” principle. This capability allows operators to launch missiles at targets and swiftly reposition the vehicle to a safe distance, thereby reducing the risk of enemy retaliatory strikes.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces have already received this domestically modified military vehicle, with it being donated to the 3rd Assault Brigade to strengthen their operations against Russian forces. As the conflict continues to evolve, the need for effective countermeasures against drone warfare has become increasingly pressing for both sides. In response, Ukrainian developers have outfitted the military vehicle with electronic warfare modules mounted on the roof, aimed specifically at countering first-person view unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
In terms of armament, the vehicle is equipped with the Soviet-designed R-73 short-range, air-to-air infrared guided missiles. These missiles have been modified to facilitate launch from a ground-based platform, and they are also integrated with the clandestine Gravehawk air defense system that is being developed by the United Kingdom to support Ukraine’s defense needs.
The Gravehawk system has been described as a compact and mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) system that can be easily deployed from a standard shipping container. It carries two of the converted R-73 air-to-air missiles and can be rapidly set up on the battlefield, signifying an important enhancement to Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.
The R-73 missile itself measures 2.9 meters (9.5 feet) in length and weighs 105 kilograms (231 pounds), and is recognized by NATO under the designation AA-11 Archer. Known for its impressive speed, the missile is capable of reaching velocities up to Mach 2.5, and it boasts an operational range of 20 to 40 kilometers (12 to 24 miles), varying according to the specific variant.
This new R-73-equipped mobile air defense system marks a significant addition to Ukraine’s expanding arsenal of Humvee-based platforms, complementing existing systems such as the AN/TWQ-1 Avenger, which is outfitted with FIM-92 Stinger missiles provided by Western allies. As the conflict drags on, innovations such as these are pivotal for maintaining operational effectiveness in the evolving landscape of modern warfare.
