Ukrainian developers presented the ground-based missile system DRAGON at the international defence exhibition Eurosatory in Paris. The system was demonstrated by the Center of Innovative Technologies Program and is showcased at the stand of the state enterprise SpetsTechnoExport.
According to Militarnyi, DRAGON is a ground-based launcher designed to use three types of air-to-air missiles equipped with infrared homing seekers. The system can employ several missile variants, including:
These include:
- R-60 (NATO designation: AA-8 Aphid) with an engagement range of up to 5 km
- R-73 (AA-11 Archer) with a range of approximately 10–15 km
- AIM-9M Sidewinder with a range of 8–10 km
The developers are also working on integrating the AIM-9X Sidewinder, the most advanced short-range missile in the Sidewinder family.
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According to Militarnyi, the DRAGON launch system can be deployed within 15 minutes. It can operate in active mode for up to eight hours or remain in standby mode for up to 14 days. System control is carried out via a remote control unit using either a wired communication channel or a Starlink satellite terminal.
The system also includes a dedicated transport and reloading trailer, BALOO. It can carry between six and eight missiles simultaneously. Its loadout may consist of eight AIM-9 missiles, or a mixed configuration of four AIM-9 and two R-73 missiles. The trailer also transports 240 liters of nitrogen, primarily used for cooling the infrared seekers of the missiles, ensuring they operate effectively prior to launch.
Earlier reports have indicated that Ukraine and France are deepening their military cooperation with the aim of strengthening Ukraine’s air defence capabilities within the current year. One of the key topics of these discussions has been the potential procurement of Aster-30 missiles, which remain a priority asset for Ukraine’s air defence requirements.
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Source: militarnyi
