Ukraine’s FrankenSAM: A Creative and Effective Air Defense Solution
Ukraine has been facing a constant threat from Russian drones and aircrafts, which have been conducting reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike missions over its territory. To counter this challenge, Ukraine has developed a unique and innovative air defense solution, dubbed as the “FrankenSAM” project. This project involves combining various missile system components from different sources, such as Soviet, American, and British, to create hybrid air defense systems that can effectively intercept and destroy enemy targets.
The FrankenSAM project has been proven in action, as it successfully intercepted a Shahed drone target from a distance of 9 kilometres on the night of 17th January 2024. This was the first kill registered by a FrankenSAM system, which demonstrated its capability and reliability. The Ukrainian military claimed that it intercepted 19 out of 20 Shahed drones that attacked Ukraine on the same night, using various air defense systems, including the FrankenSAM.
The concept behind the FrankenSAM project is simple: to use readily available Soviet hardware, experienced engineers, and access to Western missiles to create effective air defense systems that can fill the gaps in Ukraine’s air defense network. The project is led by the US, which has provided technical data, financial support, and missile supplies to Ukraine. The project also involves cooperation with other NATO allies, such as the UK, which has offered its expertise and assistance.
The advantages of the FrankenSAM project are obvious: it allows Ukraine to quickly and cheaply enhance its air defense capabilities and capacity, without having to rely on expensive and complex new systems. It also enables Ukraine to make use of its existing Soviet-era systems, which are still operational and familiar to its personnel. Moreover, it gives Ukraine access to advanced Western missiles, which have better performance, accuracy, and range than the Soviet ones.
The challenges of the FrankenSAM project are also significant: it requires modifying the launchers, integrating the guidance systems, rewriting the software, and testing the systems to ensure compatibility and effectiveness. Furthermore, it faces technical and operational limitations, such as the availability and compatibility of spare parts, the maintenance and repair of the systems, and the coordination and communication among the different components.
The FrankenSAM project has produced at least three different systems so far, according to the available information. The first one is a conversion of the Soviet-designed Buk surface-to-air missile system to fire US-made radar-guided AIM-7 Sparrow/RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles. The second one is a system that uses repurposed US-supplied heat-seeking AIM-9M Sidewinder air-to-air missiles as its effector, combined with Soviet radars. The third one is a system that blends US-designed Patriot surface-to-air missiles and their launchers with elements from existing Ukrainian air defense systems, such as the S-300P radars.
The FrankenSAM project is a creative and effective air defense solution that shows Ukraine’s resilience and ingenuity in the face of Russian aggression. It also demonstrates the US and NATO’s commitment and support to Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. The FrankenSAM project is not a perfect or permanent solution, but it is a pragmatic and practical one that can provide Ukraine with a credible and capable air defense deterrent.
