The innovative and unique use of the R-73 has unquestionably helped Ukraine. Yet this makeshift method is unlikely to provide the kind of defense that real air defense systems could.
Ukraine has been fighting for its life since 2022, when the Russian military first invaded. On the whole, its resistance to Russia’s invasion has been truly remarkable. Yet Ukraine’s leaders have on multiple occasions bitten off more than they could chew—and following this weekend’s dramatic drone attacks on airbases deep within the Russian interior, it appears that the Kremlin is intent on a massive retaliation campaign.
After Kyiv’s forces conducted a daring raid on two Russian airbases deep inside Russia, destroying at least a dozen Russian long-range strategic bombers, Moscow is intent on reminding the world why it is a great military power by launching comprehensive long-range missile strikes against Ukraine. In all probability, the Ukrainians are going to suffer immensely if the proclaimed Russian retaliation is as comprehensive as projected.
Even before the Ukrainian surprise attack on Russia, the Ukrainians were attempting to cobble together makeshift air defenses, as the recent Russian strike on Ukraine involving Dan-M training drones showed. Lacking enough air defense (AD) systems, the Ukrainians popped off improvised air defenses at the incoming drone swarm to make up for the deficits in their NATO-provided AD network. For instance, Ukrainian R-73 (AA-11 Archer) air-to-air missiles, originally designed to be used by warplanes in aerial combat, are now being converted into ground-based and even naval drone-based air AD roles throughout Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Air Defense Network Is Held Together on Spit and Polish
Part of the Ukrainian spit-and-polish AD network, some of the ground-based air defense systems include modified 9K33 Osa (SA-8) systems. Ukrainian forces, with support from organizations like the “Return Alive” Foundation, have modified 9K33M3 Osa-AKM short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems to fire R-73 missiles instead of the standard 9M33 missiles.
Each modified Osa system can carry a pair of rail-launched R-73s, enhancing its ability to target Russian drones and low-flying aircraft. This modification allows for greater mobility and flexibility, as the R-73 enables the system to fire and immediately relocate, reducing vulnerability to counterattacks.
Then there’s the Dragon H73 system. Ukraine’s Third Assault Brigade developed the Dragon H73, a mobile air defense platform that mounts twin R-73 launchers on a US-supplied Humvee truck. The lightweight, highly mobile system is designed to target Russian drones and warplanes, leveraging the R-73’s infrared homing capability to engage low-altitude threats effectively.
As for the naval drone applications, Kyiv’s forces have equipped Magura-7 sea drones with R-73 missiles to engage Russian aircraft over the Black Sea. Notable successes include the downing of a Russian Su-30 fighter jet and Mi-8 helicopters in 2024—marking the first known instances of drone boats using air-to-air missiles to destroy aircraft. The R-73’s infrared guidance allows these drones to lock onto heat signatures of low-flying helicopters or jets, providing a novel defense against Russian aerial assets.
But the R-73 Won’t Stop Iskander or Kinzhal Missiles
Yet, the R-73 is far less effective against high-speed ballistic missiles—particularly Russia’s Iskander of Kinzhal missiles, which Moscow undoubtedly plans to saturate Ukrainian AD systems with in short order. The R-73 is designed for air-to-air combat; its main role is to counter enemy aircraft, drones, and slower cruise missiles. Adapting air-to-air missiles for surface-to-air roles requires technical modifications that negatively impact the reliability and accuracy of these systems when compared to purpose-built SAMs.
Although the R-73 has been used with some degree of effectiveness, should the Ukrainians be truly overwhelmed by the kind of strikes that are likely coming from Russia, using the advanced and abundant long-range missiles at Russia’s disposal, the makeshift R-73 AD systems will not be of much use.
The innovative and unique use of the R-73, borne out of extreme desperation in the face of the Russian onslaught, has unquestionably helped Ukraine. Yet this makeshift AD method is unlikely to provide the kind of defense that real AD systems could. Unfortunately for Kyiv, Western stockpiles of purpose-built AD systems are essentially depleted—and whatever remains within those stockpiles is needed elsewhere, as the global order disintegrates all around the world.
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert, a Senior National Security Editor at The National Interest as well as a contributor at Popular Mechanics, who consults regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including the Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, the Asia Times, and countless others. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.
Image: Shutterstock / Flying Camera.
