World · India Bureau
Ukraine Deploys Vintage Cold War Missiles Against Russian Drones
Facing severe munitions shortages, Ukrainian forces have begun deploying half-century-old R-60 air-to-air missiles from their MiG-29 fighter fleet. The Soviet-era weapons, considered obsolete before Russia's 2022 invasion, represent an unconventional response to critical supply constraints.
LSN India ·
Ukrainian military pilots have turned to vintage Cold War-era armaments as the nation grapples with mounting ammunition shortages in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The R-60 missile, a short-range air-to-air weapon developed during the 1970s, is being pressed into service aboard MiG-29 fighter jets despite its age and technological limitations.
The deployment of these decades-old missiles underscores the strain on Ukraine's defence capabilities as the war continues. When Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, the R-60 was already considered outdated by modern military standards. However, with Ukrainian forces facing significant constraints in accessing modern anti-air systems and munitions, military planners have resorted to activating older inventory reserves.
The R-60 represents a compromise solution amid Ukraine's broader challenge of maintaining air defence capabilities while managing limited weapons supplies. Air defence has become increasingly critical as Russian forces continue aerial operations across Ukrainian territory. The decision to deploy vintage missiles reflects the operational realities faced by Ukrainian commanders attempting to sustain military operations with available resources.
The utilization of 1970s-era weaponry highlights the logistical pressures confronting Ukraine as the conflict extends into its third year. Defence analysts have noted that such measures, while necessary, demonstrate the urgency of sustained international military assistance to Ukraine's armed forces.