Ukraine's air defense upgrade: Buk‑M1 gets a Western twist

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

The Ukrainians acknowledge that they have managed to adapt 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 better than having no alternative.

The Ukrainians report that the maximum range of the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles is about 12.5 miles, compared to about 18.6 miles for the 9M38 missiles. The American missiles also feature a smaller warhead, weighing approximately 86 pounds, compared to 154 pounds for the 9M38. However, the RIM-7 missiles are readily available, whereas the post-Soviet stockpiles have been exhausted, and Russia is the only producer worldwide for those missiles.

The Ukrainians report that their Buk-M1, modernized under the FrankenSAM program, works effectively against drones and cruise missiles. The crew also aims to target a Russian Sukhoi, but due to the limited range, organizing an anti-aircraft ambush is very challenging.

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

These missiles are an older type that homes in on 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.