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Ukraine Strengthens its Air Defense with French Crotale-NG System in Trailer-Mounted Version.
The Ukrainian army has integrated Crotale-NG air defense systems supplied by France into its arsenal. Delivered as trailer-mounted batteries, these systems enhance detection and interception capabilities against low-altitude aerial threats. A video published on February 5, 2025, by the 38th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment confirms their deployment in Ukraine and highlights their configuration, adapted to the current battlefield requirements.
The Crotale-NG system carries eight ready-to-launch VT-1 missiles in two sets of four containerized launchers (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD)
Developed by Thales, the Crotale-NG is a short-range air defense system designed to protect military units, strategic sites, and urban areas from aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles. Originally developed to safeguard airfields, the NG variant replaces earlier self-propelled systems and incorporates significant improvements in radar detection, engagement speed, and electronic warfare resilience. Unlike the earlier versions mounted on tracked chassis, the trailer-mounted configuration provides enhanced mobility and adaptability, allowing flexible deployment across different operational theaters.
The system is equipped with an S-band surveillance radar with a detection range of up to 20 km, capable of tracking multiple targets simultaneously using advanced pulse compression and Doppler technology. The Ku-band tracking radar extends target engagement capabilities to 30 km and integrates an electro-optical suite that includes a thermal camera, a CCD camera, and an infrared tracking system. These features ensure effective operation in all weather conditions and against electronic countermeasures, increasing the system’s resilience in contested airspaces.
Armed with VT-1 missiles, the Crotale-NG can intercept targets traveling at speeds up to Mach 3.5. The missile has an engagement range of 11 km and can intercept threats at altitudes of up to 9,000 meters. The VT-1 missile features a 13 kg warhead with a fragmentation and directional explosive charge, using an electromagnetic proximity fuse to detonate within an 8-meter radius of the target. The missile employs Command to Line-Of-Sight (CLOS) guidance, ensuring high precision through radar and optical tracking. Its advanced TX883 solid-fuel rocket motor, designed for reduced smoke emission, enables rapid acceleration and maneuverability during engagement.
The Crotale-NG system carries eight ready-to-launch VT-1 missiles in two sets of four containerized launchers. The entire system, mounted on a trailer, includes the launchers, radar units, and an operator station for fire control, ensuring a highly mobile and adaptable platform. The Ku-band tracking system allows engagement of up to 12 targets simultaneously, optimizing efficiency in complex operational scenarios. The radar integrates electronic counter-countermeasure (ECCM) functionalities, including "strobe-on-jam" technology, enhancing its resistance against jamming attempts.
France’s transfer of the Crotale-NG systems underscores its commitment to Ukraine’s air defense modernization. These systems are expected to play a crucial role in protecting urban centers, military installations, and critical infrastructure from persistent aerial threats, including missile and drone strikes. The delivery aligns with ongoing NATO efforts to reinforce Ukraine’s defensive capabilities amid continued hostilities.
The introduction of these systems also reflects Ukraine’s broader strategy of diversifying its air defense assets to address evolving threats. In addition to Western-supplied systems such as Patriot, IRIS-T, and NASAMS, Ukraine continues to integrate domestically produced solutions to counter Russian aerial attacks. The adaptability of the Crotale-NG, particularly in its trailer-mounted version, allows the Ukrainian military to reposition and redeploy the system efficiently based on battlefield dynamics.
Since its initial deployment in the 1990s, the Crotale-NG has been adopted by several nations, including France, Finland, Greece, and South Korea, reinforcing their low-altitude defense capabilities. The system has also been adapted for naval applications, demonstrating its versatility in different operational environments. While continuous adaptation is necessary to counter emerging aerial threats, the Crotale-NG remains a key component of modern air defense. Its deployment in Ukraine highlights its relevance in contemporary conflicts, where rapid response and precision interception are essential for mitigating air-based threats.