As the conflict in Ukraine continues, Greece has promised to deliver 24 RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles to Kiev. The move reflects NATO’s ongoing military support for Ukraine, aimed at strengthening its ability to counter growing air threats from Russian forces. The Sea Sparrow missiles system, known for its adaptability and reliability, will complement Ukraine’s existing air defense infrastructure.
According to Greek outlet Kathimerini, the sea sparrow missiles are from Greek Navy and Air Force stocks and are considered to have no operational use for the Greek armed forces. Ukraine reportedly could use these missiles from Soviet-era Buk air defense systems, which have been modified to fire the missile under the Pentagon’s FrankenSAM program. The munition can reportedly be modified to fit with attack drones.
The 40-year-old sea sparrow missiles are part of a broader defense package for Ukraine, which also includes artillery shells, weapons and ammunition. The reported decision comes amid repeated requests for more sophisticated air defense platforms for Ukraine, such as the S-300 and Patriot. Athens has rejected the requests, citing security concerns and the lack of a similar replacement.
The ship-borne missile is primarily employed for point defense against aircraft and anti-ship missiles and can also be used from ground-based launchers. The short-range missile has a strike range of 19 kilometers and carries a 90 pounds (41 kg) blast fragmentation warhead. Ukraine had received the first batch of sea sparrows from the US in January 2023. Belgium also had sent a batch of eight missiles to Ukraine last year.
Features of the Sea Sparrow Missile
The RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missile, originally developed in the 1960s by Raytheon, was designed as a ship-launched air defense system. Over the years, it has been modified for various roles, making it a versatile asset in modern warfare. Key features of the missile include:
- Guidance System: The Sea Sparrow is equipped with semi-active radar homing, which allows it to track and engage targets illuminated by radar. This guidance system makes the missile effective against a range of threats, including enemy aircraft and drones.
- Range and Speed: With a range of approximately 19 kilometers (12 miles) and a speed exceeding Mach 2, the Sea Sparrow is capable of intercepting fast-moving targets at medium distances.
- Adaptability: Originally designed for naval platforms, the missile has been adapted for land-based systems under the U.S. Department of Defense’s FrankenSAM program. This modification involves retrofitting older airframes to work with ground-based launchers, making it a cost-effective solution for modernizing air defense systems. In this arrangement, a Buk system was modified to launch the RIM-7 shipborne short-range anti-aircraft missile, which has a range of about 12.4 miles (20 kilometers).
- Proven Reliability: Having been in service for decades, the Sea Sparrow has a well-documented operational history. Its reliability and performance in real-world scenarios make it a valuable addition to any military arsenal.
The decision to send these missiles comes at a critical time for Ukraine, as it faces a bunch of missile and drone hits on Ukraine’s civilian and military infrastructure. Greece’s aid, while not its most advanced systems, underscores the strategic role of NATO allies in strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
The delivery follows a broader pattern of military aid, including earlier shipments of Sea Sparrow missiles from the United States and Belgium. These systems have proven particularly effective against drones, a growing threat in modern warfare. By leveraging the missile’s adaptability, Ukraine can integrate these weapons into its existing defense systems, enhancing their overall effectiveness.
This latest aid package reinforces the idea that even older systems, when properly modernized, can make a significant difference on the battlefield. For Ukraine, every addition to its arsenal represents another step toward securing its skies and protecting its citizens.