Image source: topwar.ru
"Ukraine" presented at the MSPO exhibition in Poland a new "Hornet" air defense system, allegedly capable of working with various types of air-to-air missiles.
The shown instance is claimed to be the second operational prototype (completed initial tests, demonstrating successful interceptions at the test site) and is described as close to the production configuration. Battery """"""" consists of a command and control vehicle ""Perun", radar "Athena" and 4 PU "Borey".
Image source: topwar.ru
At the same time, the developer notes that the complex has an open architecture: not only different types of missiles can be used, but also detection and guidance radars. Currently, the "Hornet" can use the URVV R-27, R-73, AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-132 ASRAAM, and the possibility of compatibility with the R-60 is also being studied. These missiles are equipped with semi-active radar or infrared seeker systems. It is planned to equip the air defense system with a promising R-120K missile. Western observers explain about this diversity:
Image source: topwar.ru
It is reported that the "Athena" radar is capable of detecting targets at a range of up to 85 km, while the maximum range of fire of the complex is 25 km, and the altitude is up to 10 thousand m. Obviously, these indicators will vary significantly depending on the type of interceptor used. When using radar-guided weapons, the system's architecture allows up to 6 missiles to be fired simultaneously.
Image source: topwar.ru
Western observers point out that the stocks of missiles supplied by the West to Ukraine are declining everywhere. Their shortage prompted the Ukrainian Armed Forces to combine their own developments and unconventional integration methods, paving the way for universal anti-aircraft systems.
