Ukraine Rolls Out Humvee-Based Air Defense System With R-73 Missiles

Ukraine has developed a mobile air defense system built on the US High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles, also known as the Humvee. 

Retaining only the Humvee’s chassis, Kyiv’s modified surface-to-air missile vehicle prioritizes maneuverability and mobility.

It is equipped with a new cabin and a missile launch system featuring a “fire-and-forget” principle, allowing the vehicle to quickly move to safety and avoid potential retaliatory strikes.

The domestically modified military vehicle has been handed over to the 3rd Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to be used against Russian forces.

Features

As drone warfare intensifies on both sides of the conflict, Ukrainian developers have equipped the military vehicle with electronic warfare modules on the roof to counter first-person view unmanned aerial vehicles.

Additionally, it is armed with the Soviet-designed R-73 short-range, air-to-air infrared guided missiles, modified for launch from a ground-based system. These missiles are also integrated into the secretive Gravehawk air defense system being developed by the UK for Ukraine.

The R-73 missile, measuring 2.9 meters (9.5 feet) in length and weighing 105 kilograms (231 pounds), is designated by NATO as the AA-11 Archer. 

Capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 2.5, the missile has an operational range of 20 to 40 kilometers (12 to 24 miles), depending on the variant. 

This R-73-equipped mobile air defense system adds to Ukraine’s growing arsenal of Humvee-based platforms, including the AN/TWQ-1 Avenger, which fires FIM-92 Stinger missiles supplied by Western allies.