For the first time, the Ukrainian Air Force has shared its experience operating modernized Buk-M1 air defense system, upgraded under the FrankenSAM program. This initiative adapts Soviet-era air defense platforms to fire Western missiles, enhancing Ukraine’s ability to counter aerial threats despite dwindling stockpiles of original Soviet munitions.
The modified Buk-M1, unveiled in 2024, is now equipped with the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles instead of the original 9M38 units. While the RIM-7 missile has a shorter range, 20 km compared to the 9M38 missile’s 30 km, it remains an effective solution against drones and missiles.
More importantly, these missiles are widely available from Western stockpiles, unlike the 9M38, which is no longer in production outside russia.
Despite its effectiveness in intercepting aerial threats, the system’s reduced range makes ambushing enemy aircraft more challenging. Ukrainian crews, however, remain eager to engage russian fighter jets if given the opportunity.
Speculation has surrounded the possibility of adapting the Buk-M1 system to fire the RIM-162 ESSM missiles, which boast a 50 km range.
However, Ukraine has not received these missiles, and officials confirm that the system’s engagement range has decreased after modernization, ruling out their use for now.