Ukraine's homegrown “FrankenSAM” air defense system strikes for first time, downs Russian suicide drone

The “FrankenSAMs” combine modern Western missiles with modernized launchers or Soviet-era radars. All FrankenSAM air defense systems have been deployed on the battlefield.

"One of these systems was successfully used for the first time last night," Kamyshin said.

“We shot down a Shahed kamikaze drone 9 kilometers away.”

There was no guarantee that it would work, the official said.

Western media reported that the United States, as part of the FrankenSAM program, helped Ukraine develop and build two types of anti-aircraft systems capable of firing Western missiles, including the AIM-9M.

Russia launched 20 attack drones at Ukraine overnight, 19 of which were shot down by air defense forces. Meanwhile, in Odesa, three people were injured in the attack and a residential building was damaged.