Leaked Photos Unveil FrankenSAM Defense System in Ukraine’s Defense Arsenal.

Newly leaked photos from Ukrainian soldiers have unveiled the presence of FrankenSAM surface-to-air missile systems in Ukraine's defense arsenal, as reported on X  by @UkraineNewsLive. This development highlights a U.S.-led initiative aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s air defense capabilities by integrating modern Western components and interceptors with existing Soviet-era systems.
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Newly shared photos by Ukrainian soldiers show the FrankenSAM surface-to-air missile systems in Ukrainian service (Picture source: X Channel @UkraineNewsLive)

The FrankenSAM project gained attention in October 2023, focusing on modifying Soviet-era Buk (SA-11 Gadfly) medium-range surface-to-air missile launchers to fire U.S.-made radar-guided AIM-7 Sparrow and RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles, as well as U.S.-supplied heat-seeking AIM-9M Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. This hybrid approach allows Ukraine to leverage its existing infrastructure while incorporating advanced Western technology.

The feasibility of integrating Western missiles with Soviet systems was previously explored in Poland and the Czech Republic, where attempts were made to mount RIM-7 and RIM-162 ESSM missiles on Kub (SA-6 Guideline) surface-to-air missile systems. Building on these experiments, the Ukrainian Air Force Command confirmed in November 2023 the successful integration of the Buk-M1 system with the RIM-7 missile.

The FrankenSAM systems demonstrate a blend of old and new technologies, enhancing Ukraine’s defensive capabilities amid ongoing conflict. This innovative strategy maximizes the use of available resources while significantly bolstering Ukraine's air defense network with advanced Western technology. The FrankenSAM project, a collaborative effort between Ukraine and the U.S., has been of interest since its inception. This advanced surface-to-air missile system marked a significant milestone in January 2024 when it successfully downed its first target. Despite its successes, official visuals of the system were not available until recently.

The East Operational Command has now unveiled the Buk SAM system modified with RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles. Although the 9A310 self-propelled firing unit was covered with a camouflage net, certain details of the integration are now publicly known. Key insights into the FrankenSAM project reveal that the launch mechanism of the Buk system has remained largely original, with minor modifications to accommodate the same number of RIM-7 missiles in transport-launch containers as it did with Soviet-era 9M38 missiles.

Photos also show that the radar equipment of the 9A310 has not undergone significant changes, with the radome of the 9S35 radar station intact. It remains uncertain whether the original Soviet radar system, responsible for detection, tracking, and target illumination, has been replaced or upgraded. However, it is likely that the 9S35 system remains functional, operating in the centimeter range similar to the RIM-7 missile’s target illumination radar. This suggests that while fundamental frequencies and modulations may have required adjustment, the core radar system remains unchanged.

The effectiveness of the FrankenSAM is further highlighted by markings of destroyed targets visible in the photos, indicating the system’s capability to neutralize even small, agile targets such as reconnaissance UAVs and the Lancet drone. Despite its success, the adaptation to the RIM-7 missiles has slightly reduced the Buk’s operational range.

The RIM-7 missile offers a range of around 20 km, compared to the Soviet 9M38 missile’s range of up to 30 km. However, the primary challenge lies in the availability of 9M38 missiles, which, if still in production, are only manufactured in Russia. Therefore, the transition to the RIM-7 missile is not only pragmatic but has proven to be a swift and effective solution. Without this adaptation, the Buk systems, faced with a shortage of compatible missiles, might have been rendered obsolete or repurposed for non-combat roles.

The FrankenSAM project, gaining attention in October 2023, modifies Soviet-era Buk launchers to fire U.S.-made AIM-7 Sparrow, RIM-7 Sea Sparrow, and AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles (Picture source: X Channel @UkraineNewsLive)