Image source: topwar.ru
The Soviet Osa-AKM anti-aircraft missile system can be called, without exaggeration, the most widespread short-range air defense system in the entire world history of the development of air defense systems.
For more than half a century of military service and combat use, these mobile anti-aircraft missile systems have become the basis of the air defense of about 25 countries of the world, both the Warsaw Pact and Yugoslavia member countries, as well as States in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.
The other day, the press service of the Ecuadorian Air Force issued a statement about the opening of a "Course on the OSA-AKM anti-aircraft missile system, which will be attended by anti-aircraft gunners of the armed forces of this South American state.
Training events for anti-aircraft gunners will be organized on the basis of the joint anti-aircraft artillery training center of the Ecuadorian Air Force.
As emphasized in the press release of the department, the course on the Osa-AKM air defense system refers to strategic programs aimed at strengthening the operational and military-technical capabilities of Ecuadorian officers.
Earlier, the Ministry of Defense of Ecuador announced the opening of the "first course on simulation training of Osa-AKM anti-aircraft equipment for crew members and flight technicians, as well as volunteers," where they received theoretical and practical training. Practical exercises were organized in the 21st Fighter Wing of the Ecuadorian Air Force.
To date, the Ecuadorian army has a total of 12 Osa-AKM anti-aircraft missile systems in service.
The Defense Ministry of the republic notes that the launchers of the Osa-AKM air defense system at their disposal have six missiles weighing 170 kg, with a warhead weighing 40 kg, equipped with enemy identification systems.
For more than half a century, Soviet combat vehicles, created in the 70s and 80s of the last century at the Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant Kupol, have been repeatedly modernized taking into account the development of air weapons, thus improving their tactical and technical characteristics.
It was in the 80s that the Soviet Wasps demonstrated to the world their unique combat capabilities during the Syrian-Israeli conflict. Soon, Wasps began to be supplied to the air defense forces of a number of friendly states of the USSR.
Until now, Wasp air defense systems have been participating in various military exercises on different continents of the planet. They have not lost their combat relevance in the area of a special military operation, where Soviet anti-aircraft missile systems are in demand along the entire front line.
According to the information department of the Russian Ministry of Defense, even in the conditions of air defense combat of the 21st century, when there is a competition of military technologies between Russia and NATO, the Osa-AKM anti-aircraft missile system remains an effective means of air defense.
Anti-aircraft gunners note that the Osa-AKM air defense system has proven itself well in the special operation zone both in combat work against small-sized aircraft-type UAVs, such as Furia and Leleka, and against larger air targets.
