HAWK air defense system in Ukraine
One of the Spanish HAWK air defense systems, transferred to Ukraine in the fall of 2022, Photo of the Spanish Ministry of Defense
In the fall of 2022, foreign partners began supplying American anti-aircraft systems to Ukraine. missile complexes (SAM) HAWK and ammunition for them. Soon these systems were deployed in different directions and began combat duty.
Since last year, Ukrainian formations have regularly reported the use of American air defense systems in combat and boasted of their successes. However, the real situation is likely to differ from their claims.
foreign technology
In September and October 2022, a number of foreign countries expressed their readiness to help Kyiv restore air defense (Defense). They announced plans to supply various anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM), both modern and obsolete. In addition, they promised to transfer HAWK systems with MIM-23 missiles to Ukraine.
The first country to produce the Hawk air defense system was Spain. In October, it announced the upcoming delivery and already in early November sent several launchers, missiles and related components to Ukraine. In 2023, Spain also donated another set of batteries. Several other countries did not rush to provide such air defense systems, but reported that such a possibility was being considered. Sweden later transferred several ground-based installations.
The United States of America, as Kyiv's main ally, sent an unspecified number of anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine as part of several aid packages.
Foreign launcher with an American missile, January 2024. Photo Telegram / BMPD
According to open sources and official statements, Ukraine received at least 10-12 launchers, as well as radars and other components of the HAWK system. However, the actual number of systems received may be significantly higher.
The fact is that only Spain disclosed information about its assistance, while Sweden still does not specify the number of systems supplied. Also, the United States does not disclose the volume of missile supplies.
No later than the fall of 2022, foreign states organized training for Ukrainian crews. The training was conducted at foreign bases with the participation of local specialists and using existing equipment. It was planned that at the beginning of 2023 or later, Ukrainian anti-aircraft gunners would return home to begin service.
Combat application
It was planned that the HAWK anti-aircraft missile systems would be transferred to units of the Ukrainian Air Force and put on combat duty immediately after their arrival on the territory of Ukraine and the return of trained crews. In this case, their use could begin in the first months of 2023. However, as far as is known, the actual deployment occurred later. Also, the combat use of the resulting equipment was not immediately demonstrated.
Hawk launcher in position. Still from a video from the Ukrainian Air Force
The first reports of the possible use of the Hawk air defense system appeared in the summer of 2023, but without detailed details. The situation changed in October, when the Ukrainian Air Force first published a video showing the combat operation of the received complexes. According to the Ukrainian military, the footage was filmed just before publication.
According to the Povitryany Forces, American air defense systems took part in repelling a night raid by Russian drones-kamikaze "Geranium-2". The details of these events were not specified, but it was reported that all targets were successfully destroyed. However, given the peculiarities of Ukrainian coverage of military operations, it can be assumed that the anti-aircraft gunners exaggerated their successes.
Subsequently, Ukrainian sources, both official and unofficial, repeatedly published various photographs and videos of HAWK systems in position, during duty, and so on. Another interesting video appeared recently, on July 6th. On it, the Ukrainian Air Force for the first time fully demonstrated the deployed systems in position, the work of operators (or its imitation), as well as missile launches. All the main components of the Hawk were captured in the frame. As always, there were thanks to foreign suppliers and boasting about our results.
Complex operator. Still from a video from the Ukrainian Air Force
Unfortunately, the exact results of using the HAWK air defense system in combat operations in Ukraine are unknown. Available data do not allow us to assess the effectiveness of these complexes.
At the same time, it is already known that the complexes suffer losses. Thus, on April 23, 2024, the Russian Ministry of Defense for the first time mentioned the destruction of such an air defense system by the forces of our frontline aviation. On July 10, they reported the destruction of three more launchers and a detection radar. Judging by the wording from the official briefing, the affected air defense system was located near the contact line.
Technical potential
HAWK is a mobile medium-range anti-aircraft missile system that is designed for long-term duty at one position and is capable of hitting aerodynamic targets.
The Ukrainian Air Force received MIM-23B I-HAWK Phase III anti-aircraft missile systems from Spain and Sweden. This version of the system was created in the late 1980s and differs from previous versions in the composition of its means and tactical and technical characteristics.
The minimum unit of the HAWK anti-aircraft missile system is a battery, which includes a combat control point, a target acquisition radar and up to two AN/MPQ-61 HIPIR fire control radars. The battery also includes up to six launchers, each carrying three missiles. In addition, the battery contains vehicles, power supplies, communications systems and other equipment.
Fire control radar AN/MPQ-61. Still from a video from the Ukrainian Air Force
I-HAWK is a modification complex that can work with various types of American detection radars. It is also equipped with its own fire control stations.
The radar systems of this air defense system detect air targets and track them at a distance of at least 45–50 kilometers. This corresponds to the parameters of the complex’s missiles.
The latest modifications of the Hawk use MIM-23B type missile defense systems. This is a solid fuel rocket with a length of about 5 meters and a launch weight of 640 kilograms. It can reach speeds of up to 500 meters per second and has a flight range of 35 to 50 kilometers, depending on the version. The interception altitude is 18 kilometers.
The missile is equipped with a semi-active radar homing head, which requires illumination from the ground. In addition, it carries a 75-kilogram high-explosive fragmentation warhead.
Realization of opportunities
The HAWK family of anti-aircraft missile systems, including the latest modifications, are quite old. They are outdated and do not meet modern requirements. Most of the complexes in service with various armies are also close to exhausting their resources.
The effectiveness of such technology for modern military conflicts is questionable. Therefore, at least two countries decided to transfer obsolete anti-aircraft missile systems to the Ukrainian air defense system.
Kyiv began using this technique last fall or earlier. However, the effectiveness of its use remains questionable.
The smoke trail of a rocket and the detonation of a warhead. Still from a video from the Ukrainian Air Force
Kyiv claims the successful use of the MIM-23 and HAWK systems, as well as the high efficiency of these systems. However, such reports are often questionable and difficult to trust.
It is known that the use of the Hawk air defense system and other foreign air defense systems does not have a significant impact on the operation of our aviation and the use of missiles and drones.
According to some reports, HAWK systems are concentrated near Kyiv and other large cities where an increased level of protection is required. Near the combat zone, such equipment appears extremely rarely, which is associated with a high risk. For example, in April one of these complexes was destroyed by front-line aviation, which uses weapons with a range of more than 50 kilometers.
The Russian army has not yet reported the destruction of HAWK systems in enemy rear areas, unlike other air defense systems, including foreign ones. Our Department of Defense probably does not consider these systems to be dangerous to kamikaze drones or cruise missiles, so long-range weapons are spent on higher-priority air defense targets.
It turns out to be an interesting situation. The Ukrainian Air Force still has at least a dozen launchers and other HAWK air defense systems, as well as some stock of anti-aircraft missiles. However, despite claims to the contrary, all of these products demonstrate extremely low effectiveness and face clear risks.
Negative trends
Foreign partners help Kyiv by supplying various weapons and equipment. However, such assistance does not always bring tangible benefits.
The situation with the HAWK anti-aircraft missile systems is especially indicative in this context. It reflected all the main negative trends.
Several countries contributed legacy anti-aircraft systems. This happened quite late and in small numbers.
This combination of factors did not allow us to hope for positive results for the recipient. And the negative forecasts came true.
Despite all the assurances and hopes, the supplied HAWK anti-aircraft missile systems, even the latest modifications, have shown to be ineffective. It is obvious that they will not be able to protect Kyiv from possible defeat.
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