--- title: "Ukraine’s New Shershen SAM Can Fire A Wild Mix Of Adapted Air-To-Air Missiles" description: "The system’s open architecture could let Kyiv mix and match interceptors as its missile inventory evolves. The system’s open architecture could let Kyiv mix and match interceptors as its missile inventory evolves." date: "2026-09-10" modified: "2026-09-10" authors: - name: "Thomas Newdick" job_title: "Staff Writer" link: "https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick.md" url: "https://www.twz.com/land/ukraines-new-shershen-sam-can-fire-a-wild-mix-of-adapted-air-to-air-missiles" categories: - "Around The Globe" - "Europe" - "Land" - "News & Features" - "Short-Range Air Defense Systems (SHORADS)" - "Surface-To-Air Missile Systems" - "Ukraine" --- # Ukraine’s New Shershen SAM Can Fire A Wild Mix Of Adapted Air-To-Air Missiles ![Ukraine has unveiled a new surface-to-air missile system designed to turn a diverse collection of air-to-air missiles into a flexible ground-based air defense capability. Called Shershen, or “Hornet,” the system combines a Ukrainian command-and-control architecture, a dedicated surveillance radar, and multiple launchers that can employ both Ukrainian and Western missiles.]() *via X* Ukraine has unveiled a new domestically developed surface-to-air missile system designed to turn a diverse collection of air-to-air missiles into a flexible ground-based air defense capability. Called Shershen, Ukrainian for hornet, the system combines a locally-developed command-and-control architecture, a dedicated surveillance radar, and multiple launchers that can employ both Ukrainian and Western missiles. The system was displayed at the [MSPO defense exhibition]() in Kielce, Poland, by the National Association of Ukrainian Defense Industries (NAUDI). The example shown is reportedly the second operational prototype and is described as being close to its production configuration. https://twitter.com/TheDeadDistrict/status/2097678199651987858?s=20 The appearance of Shershen comes as Ukraine continues to develop an increasingly diverse family of indigenous air defense systems, while simultaneously adapting older missiles and foreign-supplied weapons to address a [severe shortage of interceptors](). That effort has produced some distinctly unconventional combinations. Ukraine’s so-called [FrankenSAM]() programs have paired existing [Soviet-era launchers and radars with Western missiles](), while other systems have [adapted Soviet R-73 air-to-air missiles for ground launch](). The United Kingdom and Denmark have also worked with Ukraine on the containerized [Gravehawk]() system, another concept built around repurposed air-to-air missiles. ![]() *The Buk/Sea Sparrow FrankenSAM combines the Soviet-era Buk transporter-erector-launcher with U.S.-supplied RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles. *Operational Command East** Shershen takes that philosophy a step further by making missile interchangeability a central feature of the system. The Shershen battery consists of a Perun command-and-control vehicle, an Athena radar, and four Borei launchers. ![]() *A graphic shows a typical Shershen battery. *via Oboronka** According to the developer, the system’s architecture is deliberately open. This allows it to use different missiles from different manufacturers and also permits the integration of third-party surveillance and guidance radars. The company says Shershen can currently employ the [R-27]() (AA-10 Alamo), [R-73]() (AA-11 Archer), [AIM-9 Sidewinder](), and [AIM-132 ASRAAM](), while compatibility with the [R-60]() is also being explored. These weapons come with a mix of semi-active radar or infrared homing seeker heads. ![]() *One of the ASRAAM/Supacat air defense systems supplied to Ukraine. *Ukrainian Armed Forces** Air-to-air missiles are already available in considerable variety across Ukraine’s arsenal and those of its foreign partners. Being able to employ several types from a common ground-based system provides much more flexibility than a conventional SAM designed around one dedicated interceptor. It also offers a way to exploit missiles that were never originally intended to be fired from the ground. That means Shershen’s launcher and fire-control system are meant to be interceptor agnostic, at least to a certain degree. Shershen’s Athena radar is reported to be capable of detecting targets at ranges of up to 85 kilometers (53 miles). ![]() *The Athena radar for the Shershen. *NAUDI screencap** In terms of the engagement envelope, Shershen is claimed to be capable of engaging aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones at ranges of up to 25 kilometers (16 miles) and altitudes of up to 10,000 meters (32,800 feet). Clearly, these figures will vary widely depending on the type of interceptor. When employing radar-guided missiles, the system’s engagement architecture can reportedly guide as many as six missiles simultaneously. The advertised performance figures have not been independently verified, and it remains unclear what target types and engagement conditions were used to establish them. https://twitter.com/mil_in_ua/status/2097960684839465324?s=20 The developer says the second prototype has completed initial testing, including successful interceptions at a test range. One of the Borei launchers displayed at MSPO were armed with an R-120K, a new Ukrainian missile equipped with a radar seeker and is intended to be capable of both air-to-air and surface-to-air employment. The R-120K remains under development, however. Work is reportedly continuing on its rocket motor, meaning that its eventual performance and production status remain uncertain. Still, having the option of including the R-120K on the Shershen system in the future is significant. ![Ukraine has unveiled a new surface-to-air missile system designed to turn a diverse collection of air-to-air missiles into a flexible ground-based air defense capability. Called Shershen, or “Hornet,” the system combines a Ukrainian command-and-control architecture, a dedicated surveillance radar, and multiple launchers that can employ both Ukrainian and Western missiles.]() *A test launcher used for the Shershen program, armed with a radar-homing (nearest camera) and an infrared-guided R-27 missile. The latest prototype features a cage-type container launcher. *NAUDI screencap* NAUDI screencap* Rather than relying indefinitely on stocks of Soviet and Western air-to-air missiles, Ukraine could eventually have a domestically produced interceptor specifically tailored to its growing family of ground-based air-defense systems. That will become increasingly important as stocks of legacy missiles are depleted. Earlier this year, it was reported that Ukrainian F-16s were [running low on their air-to-air missiles](), which include the same AIM-9s that are used in some FrankenSAM systems, as well as being compatible with Shershen. But even before that, it was clear that Western-supplied missile stocks in Ukraine *across the board* were diminishing, in some cases drastically, with critical interceptors like the [AMRAAM]() and [Patriot]() being badly affected. ![]() *A live AIM-9L/M Sidewinder launched from the wingtip rail of a Ukrainian F-16. *Ukrainian Air Force screencap** Ukraine’s need for additional surface-to-air missiles has become increasingly acute during the full-scale war, especially as Russian drone and missile barrages have stepped up. The shortage has encouraged Ukraine to pursue a combination of indigenous development and unconventional adaptations. The FrankenSAM initiative, conducted with U.S. support, demonstrated how existing Ukrainian systems could be combined with foreign missiles to rapidly create additional air-defense capacity. Ukraine has also fielded [modified Osa systems]() armed with R-73 air-to-air missiles rather than their original 9M33 interceptors. Other [R-73-based concepts]() have even been demonstrated aboard [Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessels](). ![]() *An R-73 missile loaded on an Osa-AKM SHORADS vehicle. *Come Back Alive** Shershen appears to reflect the next logical step in that evolution: rather than creating a one-off FrankenSAM combination, build an architecture from the outset that can accept multiple missiles. Additionally, with so many different ground-based air defense systems now being fielded, it comes with the significant advantage of a standardized launcher and control interface that can accommodate a range of interceptors. At the same time, Ukraine is pursuing substantially more ambitious indigenous SAM projects. Earlier this year, a [previously secretive Ukrainian missile]() identified as the Koral made what appeared to be its first public appearance. The program dates back to at least 2021, when Ukraine’s Luch design bureau presented a concept for a medium-range surface-to-air missile. ![]() *A missile is launched from a Koral air defense system, based on a Czech Tatra truck chassis. *Ukroboronprom** Koral is intended to provide a much longer-range capability, potentially filling some of the gap left by Ukraine’s aging Soviet systems and supplementing the Western-supplied [Patriot]() and [SAMP/T](). Shershen, by contrast, is clearly focused on the short-range layer. Together, the programs illustrate the breadth of Ukraine’s emerging domestic air-defense effort: from relatively inexpensive systems built around repurposed air-to-air missiles to new, purpose-designed interceptors intended to replace or augment Soviet-era systems. Ukraine’s experience with FrankenSAM has demonstrated the value of getting unconventional air defense combinations into service quickly. Once fielded, Shershen, with its architecture capable of accepting different Soviet-origin and Western-made interceptors, and eventually a Ukrainian one, gives Ukraine another way to stretch its missile inventory and enhance its air defense capabilities. *Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com* ## Author Thomas Newdick is a staff writer at *TWZ*, where he covers military aviation, defense technology, weapons systems, and international security. Based in Berlin, Germany, he reports on conflicts, military modernization efforts, and emerging aerospace technologies around the world, with a particular interest in airpower and its role in contemporary warfare. His reporting is informed by deep expertise in modern and historical airpower, particularly in Europe, with a focus on military aviation, air campaigns, and aerospace developments across the continent and beyond. Over a journalism career spanning more than 25 years, Thomas has become known for making complex defense and aerospace topics accessible to a broad audience. His reporting combines technical expertise, historical context, and a focus on the real-world operational and strategic implications of military developments. ### Author social links [Twitter]()