Dan-M drone shot down: DIU develops mobile SAM system with R-73 missiles

The defense of the Odesa region has been strengthened with new mobile surface-to-air missile systems equipped with R-73 missiles.

On May 29, air defense forces used the new SAM system to repel a nighttime drone attack.

The system successfully destroyed a modern Russian rocket-powered drone over the Black Sea.

“An enemy advanced rocket-powered drone, likely Dan-M, has been destroyed: it fell into the Black Sea,” the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine reported.

The Dan-M drone is a namesake aerial target with a jet engine, designed to simulate cruise missiles and aircraft.

The basic version of the drone can reach speeds of up to 750 km/h, with a maximum flight duration of 70 minutes.

However, the air defense system managed to shoot down this drone with an R-73 missile. This air-to-air missile has an important advantage — it operates on a ‘fire-and-forget’ principle, meaning it does not require guidance after launch, unlike some other SAM systems.

The mobile air defense system for these missiles was developed by the specialists of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine with the support of foreign partners.

Training of the operators for this system was also conducted by personnel of the Ukrainian military intelligence.

This is not the first adaptation of R-73 missiles for ground launchers in Ukraine. Earlier this year, the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade also received a new SAM system armed with R-73 missiles.

Previously, the Come Back Alive Foundation also upgraded the Osa anti-aircraft missile systems for the Ukrainian Defense Forces as part of the HORNET Project. After the modernization, the systems can operate not only with the standard 9M33M3 surface-to-air missiles, which are currently in short supply, but also with R-73 missiles, of which Ukraine currently has plenty.