Ukraine adapts old missile systems with Western tech

According to the portal Defense Express, the Ukrainian Air Force has shared, for the first time, their experience in using modified Buk-M1 systems under the FrankenSAM program. This initiative allows for the transformation of old Soviet missile systems into units capable of using Western missiles.

The Ukrainians have successfully adapted their systems to launch RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles. Although these are somewhat less effective than the original Soviet 9M38 missiles designed for the Buk-M1 systems, they are still a valuable alternative.

The Ukrainians report that the maximum range of the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles reaches about 20 kilometres, while the 9M38 missiles could achieve a range of roughly 30 kilometres. The American missiles also have a smaller warhead, weighing approximately 39 kilograms compared to 70 kilograms for the 9M38. However, the American missiles are more readily available than the post-Soviet ones, which are no longer being produced and are only manufactured in Russia.

The Ukrainians acknowledge that their Buk-M1 systems, modernized under the FrankenSAM program, are effective against drones and cruise missiles. The crew aims to target a Russian Sukhoi aircraft, but due to the limited range, organizing an anti-aircraft ambush remains a significant challenge.

The biggest hurdle was likely synchronizing the Buk fire control radar with the semi-active homing heads of the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles, based on the AIM-7 Sparrow, so they could function together. Most likely, the radar was modified to emit radar waves at a frequency detectable by the receiver in the American missiles.

These missiles use older technology that locks onto radar waves reflected off the target, which are emitted by the system’s fire control radar. This means the target must be illuminated by the radar until the moment of impact, limiting the ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously.