The 3rd Separate Air Assault Brigade has received the FrankenSAM air defense system, a newly developed surface-to-air missile system. The name combines “Frankenstein” and “SAM” (surface-to-air missile), reflecting its hybrid nature. This system repurposes Soviet-era R-73 infrared-guided air-to-air missiles, originally designed for fighter jets such as the Su-27 and MiG-29.
According to sources, FrankenSAM is built on a classified platform and integrates the R-73 missile. Accompanying images show a launcher resembling a turret with rails for a pair of missiles mounted on top. The system’s mobility remains unclear, but its deployment in an open field suggests it could be either a self-propelled unit – on a wheeled or tracked chassis – or a trailer-mounted installation. Despite its compact appearance, other components may be concealed from view.
“Despite the age of this equipment and its limited technical specifications, we continue to find ways to modernize and implement new approaches,” said Brigade Commander Maksym Zaichenko. He highlighted a key advantage of the R-73 missile – its infrared guidance system, which makes it a “fire-and-forget” weapon. This capability allows the launching unit to relocate immediately after firing, reducing the risk of counterattacks. It also suggests that the system offers a relatively high level of mobility or, at the very least, portability.
This is not the first time Ukraine has received ground-based air defense systems equipped with adapted R-73 missiles. Earlier this year, the Gravehawk surface-to-air missile system, developed for Ukraine by the United Kingdom and Denmark, was publicly revealed for the first time.
The entire Gravehawk system is housed within a modified ISO transport container with a retractable roof. It is paired with an eight-wheeled Leyland DAF truck, which features a Demountable Rack Offloading and Pickup System (DROPS) for efficient loading and deployment.
It is possible that the new R-73-based system currently in use by the 3rd Separate Air Assault Brigade operates in a similar manner, but without additional images, we cannot confirm this for sure.
For targeting, the Gravehawk uses an extendable sensor system, which includes at least one infrared sensor for detecting and tracking targets, as well as guiding the R-73 missiles. Similar, if not identical, sensors are found on another variant of the FrankenSAM that the United Kingdom previously supplied to Ukraine. However, in this version, the R-73 is replaced by an upgraded short-range air-to-air missile (ASRAAM), which is mounted on a highly mobile 6×6 Supacat transporter (HMT).
The use of passive infrared sensors means that the system is not vulnerable to detection by Russian electronic warfare systems, unlike surface-to-air missile systems that rely on active radars. The new R-73-based system also shows no signs of an integrated radar, although this cannot be ruled out. The data transmission system may also provide overall situational awareness and target tracking data.
In addition, Ukraine has modified the 9K33 Osa (SA-8 Gecko) wheeled surface-to-air missile system to carry R-73 missiles instead of the standard 9M33 interceptors. This is a domestic initiative that combines a Soviet-era missile system with Soviet-era air-to-air missiles.
Ukrainian forces have also unveiled R-73-equipped unmanned surface vessels (USVs), commonly referred to as “Sea Dragons.”
The new R-73-based surface-to-air missile system appears to be especially relevant in countering Russian long-range kamikaze drones and cruise missile threats. Ultimately, it could also be intended for stationary deployment to protect critical infrastructure. Regardless, the capabilities of the R-73 also allow it to target aircraft and helicopters.
Ukraine still faces a significant need for additional air defense systems, with Western allies currently providing only a relatively modest number of units. Despite repeated warnings that the missile stocks for Ukraine’s Soviet-era air defense systems could run out, repurposing the R-73 for this role appears to be a useful temporary solution.
Source: TWZ
