Additional Coverage:
- Ukraine is killing Russian missiles with hand-me-down air defense weapons the US retired decades ago (newsbreak.com)
In 1977, US Army soldiers were captured in a photograph examining MIM-23B Hawk surface-to-air missiles. The image, sourced from HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images, underscores the historical significance of the Hawk system, which today, despite originating in the 1960’s and being retired by the US decades ago, is actively being used by Ukraine to combat Russian missiles.
Ukrainian forces have effectively repurposed these American-made Hawk missiles, identified for their medium-range surface-to-air capabilities and initially designed during the 1960s. While the US military phased out the Hawks in favor of more modern and portable systems following the Cold War, Ukraine has breathed new life into this older technology.
A recent commendation came from Oleksandr, a Ukrainian operator of the Hawk system, which hilariously stands for “Homing All the Way Killer.” Despite its age, he has successfully used it to down over two dozen enemy craft, including Russia’s Kh-59 cruise missiles and Iranian-supplied Shahed drones. Oleksandr discussed some challenges like the slow-moving Shahed drones, which make for prolonged engagements, in an account shared by the Ukrainian Air Force on their Telegram app.
He recounted a nerve-wracking experience with three Kh-59 missiles altering their elevations as they approached, which he and his team managed to eliminate successively. Oleksandr emphasized that seamless teamwork within his unit underpins their success more than the missile system itself, highlighting the vital communication needed for effective defense.
Though no longer used by American forces, the Hawk system remains in service in several countries. It saw extensive use in various global conflicts, notably in the Middle East. Since its retirement in the US, it was replaced with systems like the FIM-92 Stinger and the Avenger for lower altitude engagement, and the MIM-104 Patriot for other defense needs.
Recent moves by the Biden administration included donating an unspecified number of these Hawk systems and munitions to Ukraine. This, followed by successive pledges to procure more, emphasizes ongoing international support for Ukraine. Ukraine has also successfully utilized other vintage technologies like the German-managed Gepard cannons to counter Russian threats, showcasing the enduring relevance of these older systems in modern warfare.