Romania secretly transferred CA-95 short-range air defense missile systems to Ukraine.

On March 8, 2025, the Telegram account TyskNIP shared the first pictures of the Romanian CA-95 short-range air defense system, based on the Soviet 9K31 Strela-1 and mounted on the TABC-79 armored personnel carrier, in Ukraine. Marking its first verified deployment in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the pictures show that the vehicle retains its original Romanian camouflage, though the rondel of the Romanian Armed Forces has been painted over, suggesting the transfer occurred discreetly.
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The CA-95 could intercept low-altitude threats such as aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles at altitudes between 50 and 3,500 meters, with a horizontal engagement range from 800 to 4,200 meters. (Picture source: Telegram/TyskNIP)

Although official confirmation from the Romanian or Ukrainian defense ministries has not been issued, Ukrainian air defense units have indicated that the CA-95 system is operationally deployed and reportedly effective, including claims of successfully engaging Russian helicopters. The exact circumstances and number of engagements remain unconfirmed, with no further data available.

Despite its technological age and physical obsolescence compared to newer systems, the CA-95 remains viable against contemporary threats. Designed primarily to counter aircraft and helicopters operating at low altitudes, it consists of four surface-to-air missile launchers, one on each side of its turret, and two spare missiles. Its infrared-guided missiles, a locally produced variant of the 9M31M, travel at a maximum pursuit speed of 310 m/s against retreating targets and 220 m/s against approaching targets.

Each missile has a caliber of 120 mm, a mass of 30 kilograms, and employs a passive infrared and optical homing guidance system. The system’s primary function is intercepting low-altitude threats such as aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles at altitudes between 50 and 3,500 meters, with a horizontal engagement range from 800 to 4,200 meters.

The base of the CA-95, the TABC-79, also known as the ABC-79M, is a Romanian 4x4 amphibious armored personnel carrier (APC) developed in the late 1970s. It shares several components with the TAB-77 8x8 APC and has a length of 5.64 meters, a width of 2.80 meters, and a height of 2.34 meters, with a combat weight of approximately 9.27 tonnes. The vehicle accommodates a crew of three (driver, commander, and gunner) and can transport up to four fully equipped soldiers.

Its welded steel hull offers protection against 7.62 mm ammunition and artillery shrapnel. It is powered by a Saviem 798-05 N2 turbocharged diesel engine producing 154 horsepower, enabling a maximum road speed of 80 km/h and an operational range of 700 kilometers. The vehicle is fully amphibious, propelled in water by a single water-jet located at the rear. Standard equipment includes an automatic fire detection and suppression system, a nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection system, night vision devices, and a front-mounted winch with a 50-meter cable and a 5.5-tonne capacity.

Romania originally produced 48 CA-95 systems for its land forces with the help of the company Electromecanica Ploiești (part of the national company ROMARM) as an adaptation of the Soviet Strela-1 (based on a BRDM-2) to meet local needs. The Strela-1 itself was an earlier variant of the widely known Strela-10 system. The Romanian Land Forces currently operate between 40 and 48 units of an upgraded variant known as the CA-95M, which uses more modern A95M-RC missiles.

These modernized missiles offer enhanced guidance capabilities, employing both infrared and visible-spectrum targeting and automated target tracking. The improved system replaces manual aiming controls with electric motors, significantly enhancing response speed and accuracy. Moreover, the CA-95M can autonomously track targets using optical systems or receive external radar designations, allowing integration into broader air defense networks.

The Romanian Land Forces currently operate between 40 and 48 units of an upgraded variant known as the CA-95M, which uses more modern A95M-RC missiles. (Picture source: Wikimedia/DoloresRKT)

Additionally, Romania maintains CA-94 man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) in its mobilization plan, also based on the Soviet Strela missile family. These systems are closely related, with the CA-94 representing the portable, man-operated launcher version, while the CA-95 is its vehicle-mounted counterpart. The CA-94 utilizes the same infrared guidance technology and missile concept but is intended for infantry-level deployment, providing highly mobile air defense capabilities in a portable format. In contrast, the CA-95, mounted on the TABC-79 armored personnel carrier, was specifically developed to offer increased mobility, protection, and missile-carrying capacity, making it suitable for supporting mechanized units.

Romania has previously provided military aid to Ukraine through direct government donations and purchases by Ukraine or the European Union from Romanian defense companies. The aid includes 20 TAB-71M armored personnel carriers between 2022 and 2023, 152 mm M1981 artillery systems, and APR-40 multiple rocket launchers delivered in May 2023, as well as a Patriot air defense battery approved for transfer in October 2024.

Additionally, Romania supplied DShK machine guns in December 2022 and various types of ammunition, including undisclosed rounds in February 2022, ongoing deliveries of Grad rockets as of April 2023, and procurement of 155 mm shells through the European Defense Agency. RPG-7, SPG-9, and DShK ammunition, as well as mortar bombs and 122 mm shells, were purchased from Romanian defense companies by Ukrainian or EU governments. Other contributions include military gear such as 2,000 combat helmets and bulletproof vests in February 2022, along with fuel, food, and medical supplies.

Romania's military support has drawn international attention, with Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova alleging in September 2022 that Romania had sent five aid packages, while Russian General Valery Gerasimov ranked Romania among Ukraine's top four military aid suppliers in December 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged Romania's assistance during his visit to the country on October 10, 2023, stating that Romania had provided 15 military aid packages by that date. Additionally, Pro Optica Anubis remote weapons stations for BMC Kirpi MRAPs were delivered before January 2023, and €3 million worth of military equipment was supplied on February 28, 2022.