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Luch Design Bureau unveils RK-19 missile for Osa air defence systems

The missile is intended to replace standard Soviet 9M33 munitions, whose stocks are running out

Luch Design Bureau unveils RK-19 missile for Osa air defence systems
Photo: Defence Express

Ukraine’s Luch Design Bureau has unveiled the RK-19 guided surface-to-air missile at the MSPO-2026 international arms exhibition in Poland. It is designed for use with Soviet Osa-AKM surface-to-air missile systems. This was reported by Militarnyy.

The RK-19 missile was first shown publicly in spring 2026, but it was at MSPO that its main specifications became known. According to the manufacturer, the missile is intended to intercept subsonic and supersonic aerodynamic targets. RK-19 is expected to be used, among other things, to counter cruise missiles and jet-powered drones. According to Defence Express, it may also be intended to shoot down Russia’s S8000 Banderol drone-missile.

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According to the developer, RK-19’s maximum interception range is up to 10 km, and its engagement altitude is up to 5 km. The missile’s maximum flight speed reaches 600 m/s. Guidance is carried out using a radio-command principle, and the target is engaged with a 14.3 kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead with a proximity fuze.

The mass of the transport-and-launch container together with the missile is 163 kg. Its dimensions are 3255×320×303 mm.

In terms of its characteristics, RK-19 is broadly close to the Soviet 9M33M3 missile used by the Osa-AKM system. For it, a range of up to 10 km, an engagement altitude of up to 5 km, a maximum speed of about 500 m/s, and a 15 kg warhead were stated. The mass of the missile together with the transport-and-launch container is about 157 kg.

Thus, the Ukrainian development does not envisage a radical increase in the Osa-AKM’s range or operating altitude. Its key significance lies in replacing scarce Soviet 9M33 munitions and ensuring the continued operation of the Osa systems available in Ukraine. The missile’s cost and production volumes have not been disclosed.

The Osa SAM system is a Soviet self-propelled short-range surface-to-air missile system designed to protect troops and important facilities from aircraft, helicopters and other aerial targets at low and medium altitudes. The most widespread modification is the Osa-AKM (9K33M3), adopted into service in 1980. The combat vehicle has its own radar station and can independently detect and track targets. Detection range is up to 45 km. The system carries six 9M33M3 surface-to-air missiles in transport-and-launch containers.

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