Ukraine has developed a new RK-19 missile to shoot down Russian "Banderols"
Kyiv • UNN
The RK-19 has a range of up to 10 km and a 14.3 kg warhead. It was developed to intercept drones and Banderol-type cruise missiles.
Ukraine's KB Luch has unveiled the RK-19 surface-to-air missile, designed for Soviet Osa air defense systems. It is intended to replace scarce standard missiles and can be used against jet-powered drones and cruise missiles, reports Defense Express, writes UNN.
Details
The RK-19 is designed to intercept subsonic and supersonic targets. The missile uses radio-command guidance, proximity fuzing, and is equipped with a 14.3 kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead.
The declared engagement range is up to 10 km, the altitude is up to 5 km, and the maximum flight speed is 600 km/h. The missile's weight together with the transport-launch container is 163 kg.
The RK-19's specifications are close to those of the standard 9M33M3 missile for the Osa-AKM, but it has a higher maximum speed. Due to a shortage of older interceptors, Ukrainian forces had previously been forced to use less effective missiles or integrate air-to-air missiles, including the R-73.
Defense Express notes that the emergence of the RK-19 will allow the continued operation of Osa air defense systems and their use against aerodynamic targets, including jet-powered drones and Bandероль-type cruise missiles.
The cost of the RK-19 and its production volumes have not yet been disclosed.