Ukraine is repurposing Soviet-era R-60 air-to-air missiles for launch from ground-based systems, improving their sensors and extending their usefulness in defending against aerial threats.
Engineers are replacing analog components with digital ones, dramatically increasing the sensitivity of the infrared homing heads — some reportedly by nearly tenfold — according to a report by Militarnyi.
This allows Ukraine to make use of otherwise obsolete stockpiles, creating a stopgap air defense capability while the country continues to rely on imported systems for more advanced guidance technology.
Ihor Fedirko, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Armaments Manufacturers Council, told Militarnyi that the work represents a pragmatic approach.
“This is solely because we do not have the ability and capacity to create a completely new missile, and we are restoring something old very cheaply and using it,” he said.
Ukraine Modernizing Missiles
Ukraine’s modernization is not limited to the R-60.
The R-73, a slightly newer Soviet missile, has been transformed into multi-role ground and maritime launch systems, increasing its tactical versatility. Reports indicate that these upgrades allow ranges of up to 40 kilometers (24.8 miles), more than double the original R-60 capability from aircraft launches.
The country is also in talks with Sweden about upgrading Soviet-era aircraft fleet with modern avionics, which includes advanced radars, defensive equipment, and electronic warfare countermeasure systems.
On the domestic production side, several Ukrainian companies are developing interceptor drones armed with upgraded missiles, including anti-drone systems and fighter drones capable of countering enemy air assets.
