US HAWK Air Defense Missile Systems Provides Protection for Ukraine Against Russian Cruise Missiles.

The American-made MIM-23 HAWK air defense system has once again demonstrated its effectiveness in modern warfare. According to reports, the HAWK systems donated by the United States and Spain have successfully intercepted several Russian cruise missiles targeting Ukrainian territory. Despite being an older system, the HAWK continues to prove its reliability in countering aerial threats. Recently, Ukrainian soldiers released a video on March 6, 2025, published on SPRAVDI — Stratcom Centre X account in which they expressed gratitude for the delivery of these systems, acknowledging their vital role in strengthening Ukraine's air defense capabilities.
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Ukrainian soldier expresses gratitude to the United States for the delivery of HAWK air defense missile systems, which have played a crucial role in protecting Ukraine against Russian missile threats. (Picture source: SPRAVDI — Stratcom  X account)

American Company Raytheon developed the MIM-23 HAWK air defense missile system in the early 1960s as a medium-range surface-to-air missile system designed to counter a wide range of aerial threats, including enemy aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles. Over the decades, the system has undergone several upgrades, ensuring its continued operational relevance. The most recent version of the HAWK, the Phase III, is the version currently in use by Ukraine, equipped with enhanced radar systems, improved missile guidance technology, and better overall performance in intercepting airborne threats.

In terms of air defense capabilities, the HAWK system is designed to engage a variety of aerial threats, primarily those flying at medium altitudes. It is effective in intercepting both fast-moving combat aircraft and slower, low-flying threats like cruise missiles. The system has a maximum range of approximately 25-40 kilometers, depending on the version and environmental conditions, with an engagement altitude of up to 18 kilometers. This range makes it particularly effective at medium-range intercepts, complementing both shorter-range air defense systems and longer-range, high-altitude missile defense systems.

Key components of the HAWK system include radar systems such as the AN/MPQ-61 and AN/MPQ-62, which are essential for providing 3D tracking and engagement capabilities. These radars are crucial for detecting, tracking, and targeting high-speed aerial threats in diverse environmental conditions.

The AN/MPQ-61, for example, is a solid-state, mobile, 3D radar designed to detect and track a wide range of aerial threats. It operates in the L-band (1–2 GHz), which provides good detection capabilities at both medium and long ranges. The radar is capable of tracking up to 20 targets simultaneously while engaging several of them at once. It provides a highly accurate range of up to 50 km and can detect low-flying cruise missiles, a major threat for air defense systems. The AN/MPQ-61’s ability to track targets in three dimensions — range, azimuth, and altitude — allows it to detect targets at both high and low altitudes, significantly enhancing the HAWK's ability to defend against a broad range of threats.

Similarly, the AN/MPQ-62 radar, which is part of the more modern configuration of the HAWK system, is also a mobile, solid-state radar that provides enhanced tracking and target discrimination capabilities. The AN/MPQ-62 radar operates in the C-band (4–8 GHz), providing superior tracking resolution and target acquisition capabilities. This radar is particularly effective in tracking low-flying cruise missiles, small UAVs, and aircraft that may be difficult for less advanced systems to detect. The AN/MPQ-62 can track up to 30 targets simultaneously and is capable of engaging multiple targets across various altitude layers. The radar system has a maximum range of about 50 km, although its effective engagement range may vary based on the altitude and speed of the targets.

Both radar systems are integrated into the HAWK missile battery to provide comprehensive 3D surveillance, target acquisition, and tracking. These radars work in tandem to ensure that the HAWK system can engage threats quickly and accurately, even in complex and cluttered battlefield environments. The radars allow the HAWK to operate in high-threat scenarios where enemy aircraft and missiles might attempt to hide behind terrain or cluttered electronic environments.

Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, air defense has been one of the most critical components of the nation’s defense strategy, with Russian missile and air attacks targeting key infrastructure and military sites. The HAWK air defense systems, provided by Spain and the United States, have bolstered Ukraine’s ability to respond to these aerial threats.

In December 2022, Spain delivered a battery of MIM-23 HAWK Phase I/III systems, which included 21 launchers, along with critical radar systems like the AN/MPQ-61 and AN/MPQ-62. The Spanish donation also marked the first substantial contribution of HAWK systems to Ukraine’s air defense arsenal. In October 2023, Spain pledged six additional launchers, followed by another six launchers sent in September 2024, further expanding Ukraine’s air defense coverage.

Additionally, the United States has played a significant role in supporting Ukraine by providing more than two HAWK firing units in February 2023. The U.S. has committed to supplying additional MIM-23 Hawk Phase III missiles and systems, many of which are being sourced from decommissioned stockpiles in Taiwan following its retirement of the HAWK system in June 2023. These additional units enhance the robustness of Ukraine’s defense capabilities, complementing other advanced air defense systems such as the Patriot missile defense system and NASAMS.

The video footage shared by Ukrainian soldiers is a powerful testament to the importance of the HAWK systems. In the video, Ukrainian troops express their sincere gratitude to the United States and Spain for their timely support in delivering the HAWK systems, which are seen as a significant addition to Ukraine's defensive arsenal. While the video does not depict actual missile interceptions, the message is clear: the HAWK systems are seen as crucial for strengthening Ukraine's air defense network in the face of Russia's ongoing missile threats.

In the context of the ongoing conflict, these systems provide much-needed protection against Russia’s missile and air strikes. With the HAWK's capability to engage threats at medium ranges, it adds a vital layer of defense alongside other advanced systems like the Patriot and NASAMS, which are more focused on higher-altitude threats and long-range engagements.

The HAWK, despite being an older system, remains a viable and effective option for many nations due to its continuous upgrades and adaptations. Its capability to destroy a wide variety of targets—ranging from aircraft to cruise missiles—makes it a valuable asset, even as newer missile defense systems have been deployed globally. In Ukraine, the HAWK’s role in intercepting cruise missiles is particularly noteworthy. While the exact details of such engagements have not been publicly shared in the footage, previous reports indicate that the upgraded Phase III HAWK is effective in engaging low-flying cruise missiles, which are among the most difficult targets to intercept.

The HAWK air defense system's ability to work alongside other air defense systems within a networked environment increases its overall effectiveness. The integration of systems like the Thomson-CSF RAC 3D radar (also delivered for use with the Aspide 2000 battery in late 2022) enhances the coordination of Ukraine’s defenses, allowing for more comprehensive protection against a range of threats.

The MIM-23 HAWK is not only a defensive weapon but also an integral part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to protect its airspace from Russian missile and aerial threats. By combining various systems like the HAWK, Patriot, and NASAMS, Ukraine creates a multi-tiered defense structure capable of engaging threats at different altitudes and ranges. The HAWK’s role in this network is crucial, providing a medium-range defense that fills an essential gap between short-range air defense systems and more advanced long-range missile defense platforms.

The continued support from Spain and the United States in supplying Ukraine with HAWK systems demonstrates the international commitment to enhancing Ukraine's air defense capabilities. As Russia continues to target critical infrastructure with missile strikes, systems like the HAWK remain vital in neutralizing these threats, offering a layered and adaptive defense against a rapidly evolving aerial threat landscape.

The MIM-23 HAWK air defense missile system, though developed decades ago, continues to play a pivotal role in modern defense strategies. The gratitude expressed by Ukrainian soldiers in the recent video highlights the strategic value of these systems in defending Ukraine against Russian missile strikes. With ongoing upgrades, additional units from Spain and the United States, and successful integration into Ukraine's broader air defense network, the HAWK remains a key asset in Ukraine’s fight to protect its sovereignty and critical infrastructure from aerial threats.