“Frankenstein air defense system” for Ukrainian air defense
Buk air defense system, modified to use AIM-7 missiles. Photo Telegram / "Vestnik Air Defense"
Foreign patrons are trying to help the Kyiv regime with the restoration of the destroyed air defense, but are faced with a lack of anti-aircraft systems and missiles. In this regard, the development of “hybrid” air defense systems based on available components, incl. produced in different countries. Several options for such technology have been proposed, and some of them have already reached, at least, testing.
Problems and solutions
About a year ago, foreign countries began supplying the Kyiv regime with modern air defense systems and ammunition for them. Almost immediately it became clear that their existing fleet of such equipment and its production could not cover the needs of Ukrainian formations and compensate for losses. A new solution was required, simple, inexpensive and with an acceptable implementation time.
In mid-September, the Beregini hacker group published an interesting document from the NATO Contact Group on Ukraine, prepared for its next meeting on July 18. It reflected the main actions and plans of the Alliance to support the Kyiv regime in the context of air defense and some other systems.
From the document, the existence of the FrankenSAM program (“Frankenstein SAM”) became known for the first time. Its goal was to create a new modification of the serial Buk air defense system, capable of using AIM-7 Sparrow or RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles. This project was included in the number of medium-term ones, the implementation of which requires from 6 to 30 months. It was mentioned that the United States is developing it, and the required missiles will be provided by the Netherlands.
Shipborne air defense system based on AIM-7 / RIM-7. Photo by US Department of Defense
Several recent US military aid packages for Ukraine have included AIM-9M Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. Official press releases from the Pentagon stated that they were intended for use in the field of air defense, but without specifying technical issues. However, recently the situation has become clearer.
On October 12, The Associated Press, citing its sources in the American military department, wrote that the supply of AIM-9M missiles to Ukraine is related to the FrankenSAM project. So, based on the available components, incl. aviation missiles, a full-fledged air defense system was created. At the same time, technical details were again not disclosed.
In the following weeks, the foreign press wrote about the Frankenstein SAM project several times, but there was little or no new interesting information. However, on October 28, The New York Times published an article on this topic, clarifying the features of the work carried out and revealing some plans for the future.
According to the NYT, work on FrankenSAM continues and is yielding new results. To date, four variants of such complexes have been developed based on available ground-based assets and missiles of various types. Some of them are already being tested or have even reached combat use. In particular, we recalled recent reports from Kyiv about the first use of the HAWK air defense system. It is alleged that American-made missiles were used by a non-standard complex.
Frankenstein's monster
To date, it has become known from various sources about the development of at least four variants of the appearance of the FrankenSAM air defense system. They differ in composition, purpose and characteristics, but have a common feature in the form of a combination of components and products of different origins. It is proposed to use foreign missiles and Soviet-style ground assets available in Ukraine or other countries.
Launching an AIM-9M missile from an aircraft. Photo by US Department of Defense
In the context of the FrankenSAM program, the first to be mentioned in open sources was an air defense system based on the Soviet Buk and the American AIM-7 / RIM-7 missile. This project involves equipping a self-propelled launcher with new devices for mounting three transport and launch containers with imported missiles. In addition, new radio-electronic equipment and software are being installed to ensure the joint operation of the complex.
The development of two more “Frankenstein air defense systems” with AIM-9M and HAWK missiles is reported, but their appearance remains unknown. Perhaps in this case, the base from the old Buk air defense system is also used, modernized to receive and use foreign missiles.
Another project provides a different approach to the construction of the complex. In essence, we are talking about the modernization of the American Patriot air defense system. It is proposed to retain its standard launchers and missiles, and instead of the original radar, the 79K6 Pelican product or another Ukrainian-made locator with suitable characteristics should be used.
During production
Apparently, the development of FrankenSAM projects started no later than the first months of 2023. To date, it has been possible to complete the design of several such samples and even bring them to testing. It is also reported that the first air defense systems of this family arrived in Ukraine and even went on combat duty.
It is known from Ukrainian sources that air defense units have already received several Buk complexes with AIM-7 missiles. In total, it is planned to supply 17 such products. The modernization of equipment is carried out by American forces, and the available capacities allow the production of up to five products per month. Operation of a similar complex with HAWK missiles has also begun. However, plans for its production and deployment remain unknown.
Supposedly the first use of the HAWK air defense system by the Ukrainian army. Photo of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
According to various sources, the “Frankenstein air defense system” with the AIM-9 missile is only being tested. A modified version of the Patriot with non-standard means also recently reached testing. In October, the first missile launches took place against unmanned targets detected by Ukrainian radar.
Possible results
The FrankenSAM program uses well-known components and products of Soviet and American production. This allows us to understand what such air defense systems can be like, what level of tactical and technical characteristics they will show, and how effective they will be.
The Buk air defense system of early modifications, developed back in Soviet times, is used as a platform for foreign missiles. Such a complex includes a standard 9S18 / 9S18M1 “Kupol” air target detection radar. Depending on the characteristics, the target is detected and tracked at a distance of 100-110 km.
The self-propelled firing installation of the Buk complexes of the 9A38 or 9A310 type carries its own target tracking radar. Its range exceeds the launch range of standard missiles and is at least 30-32 km. When using imported missiles, such characteristics remain sufficient or even become redundant.
As part of the Frankenstein SAM program, the Ukrainian Buk was equipped with the American AIM-7 / RIM-7 missile. This is a medium-range air-to-air missile with a semi-active radar homing head. When used from a fighter aircraft, the Sparrow missile has a range of up to 70 km. Its ship version, RIM-7, due to the need for independent take-off and acceleration, hits targets at ranges of no more than 20-30 km.
Launch of AIM-9 from NASAMS ground installation. Kongsberg Photos
The AIM-9 Sidewinder, in turn, is a short-range air-to-air missile. The 3 m long product weighs 85 kg and is equipped with an infrared seeker. Depending on the modification, the range of such a missile can reach 30-35 km. At the same time, launching from a ground platform will seriously deteriorate the energy performance of the rocket and reduce the launch range.
The MIM-23 missile from the HAWK complex was originally created as an anti-aircraft missile, and its installation on a new platform should not worsen its tactical and technical characteristics. The product, more than 5 m long and weighing 590 kg, is equipped with a semi-active radar seeker and requires target illumination from the ground. The launch range is at least 40-45 km.
The American Patriot air defense system is standardly equipped with the AN/MPQ-65 radar with a detection range of air targets of up to 130-180 km. Modernization under the FrankenSAM project involves replacing this product with another radar with similar characteristics. In this case, it is necessary to ensure the ability to illuminate the target, etc. Replacing the locator can significantly reduce the cost of the assembled complex and reduce objective risks.
Interim results
Thus, foreign partners of the Kyiv regime have encountered problems in restoring Ukrainian air defense and are now looking for a way out of this situation. A simple supply of air defense systems from the presence of foreign armies is not possible due to their limited number and the increased risk of their destruction. Therefore, it is necessary to work out and implement unusual solutions.
It is alleged that the first “Frankenstein air defense systems” have already arrived in Ukraine and are on combat duty. In the absence of reasonable alternatives, high hopes are now placed on them. However, it is already clear that foreign-developed “hybrid” air defense systems, despite their simplicity and low cost, will not be able to become widespread, and their tactical and technical characteristics will be insufficient to influence the current situation.
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