British makeshift anti-aircraft system: The fast-made 'menace' proving 90% efficient against Russian targets

This makeshift British anti-aircraft system arrived in Ukraine during the second half of 2023 and has performed exceptionally well. Its origin story likely resembles that of Accuracy International, a British company known for producing some of the world's finest rifles, which began with three enthusiasts working from a shed.

In the case of the anti-aircraft system used in Ukraine, which yet has no official name, experts from the British Ministry of Defence, along with engineers from MBDA and Airbus, likely managed to adapt parts from aircraft like the Eurofighter for mounting on a Supacat HMT truck chassis.

The design of the system incorporates a launcher with a pair of pylons borrowed from the Eurofighter, mounted on a Supacat HMT truck chassis. These pylons enable the use of ASRAAM missiles, with initial guidance to detect targets potentially being provided by a radar or an optoelectronic head with the PIRATE system (Passive Infra-Red Airborne Track Equipment) located behind the cabin. However, due to the low quality of the recording, exact identification is challenging.

Thanks to these features, they managed to create a system with a range that could extend to approximately 12.43 miles. ASRAAM missiles, when launched at high altitudes where the air is less dense, may have a range of up to 31.07 miles. The ASRAAM missile, developed in the 90s, was somewhat of an unconventional design as it offers a range between short-range missiles, like the AIM-9 Sidewinder, and medium-range missiles, such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM.

The ASRAAM utilizes an advanced infrared head (known as IIR – Imaging infrared), which detects the thermal image of the target, not just its heat emission. Consequently, it can't be deceived by self-defense mechanisms like flares. Additionally, the missile comes equipped with a communication link that allows for trajectory correction or retargeting, even after launch.

Improvised British systems, like this one, serve as an excellent complement to anti-aircraft gun systems, comparable to the Gepard or Skynex, and akin to systems like the NASAMS or IRIS-T SLS.