Image source: topwar.ru
Poland has handed over to the Ukrainian army an undisclosed number of 9K33 Osa anti-aircraft missile systems, including those upgraded by its own forces to the Osa-AKM-P1 Żądło modification, which has significantly higher anti-aircraft capabilities than standard Soviet variants.
The Ukrainian military praises the changes made to the system compared to the basic version. The installation of an optical-electronic station made it possible to fire at night and improved target recognition, making it possible to distinguish a kamikaze drone from, for example, an Orlan-10 reconnaissance UAV or just a bird. The effectiveness of the joystick control system was noted. The changes aimed at reducing the Wasp's signature in the field were also positively evaluated as a means of passive camouflage.
According to the soldiers, the calculation of the complex was able several times to destroy targets outside the official performance characteristics, for example, when firing at a maneuvering object at a distance of up to 12.9 km instead of 10.3 km.
Image source: topwar.ru
- notes the Polish contractor.
Allegedly, the Wasp crew, working since the beginning of the conflict, has completed 160 launches to date, and the number of destroyed targets has reached 140. The crew claims that "they even survived the fire of the Russian BM-27 Uragan MLRS: the attack was carried out using cluster munitions, and the soldiers owe their lives to the driver who led them out of the firing zone. However, it is not entirely clear how this is related to the performance characteristics of the Polish-made Wasp itself.
Image source: topwar.ru
The Osa-AKM-P1 is a Polish modernization of the Soviet short–range air defense system 9K33 Osa (and its subsequent variants 9K33M2 Osa-AK and 9K33M3 Osa-AKM) developed by WZU. The premiere of the complex took place at the MSPO 2004 exhibition. The complex features upgraded guidance and fire control systems, as well as a more noise-resistant radar. However, the key element of this version is the addition of an ECO with auto-tracking, an IR camera and a laser rangefinder. A number of analog components have also been replaced with digital ones.
The armament still consists of 6 9M33M2/M3 missiles with a firing range of 10-12 km. The machine is also based on the chassis of the BAZ-5937 6x6 floating machine.
