Ukrainian servicemen shared how they destroy air targets with Stormer HVM air defense systems
16 December, 2023 The Stormer HVM air defense system at the time of the missile launch. Photo credits: 1129th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment Ukrainian anti-aircraft gunners told how they destroy enemy aircrafts using British Stormer HVM air defense systems and spoke about the advantages of the system.
The corresponding TV report with the operators of Stormer HVM air defense systems was published by Radio Svoboda. In the TV report, the operator of the system says that one of Stormer HVM systems has already destroyed 20 enemy drones in a certain time in one of the segment of the frontline. Another SAM has destroyed 46 air targets in total.
Among the most common drones that the system shoots down are: Orlan-10, Zala, Supercam and others. In addition to the skill of operators, this result was achieved thanks to the use of laser-guided surface-to-air missiles that, unlike missiles with an infrared homing, do not need to lock on a target by its thermal signature.
The moment of hit of an enemy drone by the Stormer HVM system. Photo credits: 1129th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment
According to the operator of the Stormer HVM air defense system, using Martlet missiles, provides a target destruction range of up to 9 kilometers and an effective range of up to 7 km.
Target detection is performed with the use of a passive searching system that provides the ability to conduct ambushes of enemy aircrafts that have a radiation warning station on board.
Stormer HVM system. Photo credits: 1129th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment
In addition to the Martlet missile, there is a possible use of Starstreak missiles, that, despite their high flight speed, are less suitable for destroying UAVs due to the use of three darts without a laser detonator, unlike the Martlet that has a full warhead weighing 3 kg. It is also worth noting that the advantage of this system is the availability of a launcher that can be equipped with eight missiles ready for combat.
In addition to eight ready-to-fire missiles on the launcher, the vehicle can carry 12 additional missiles for reloading.
A guided missile launch assembly with a Martlet missile is installed in a Stormer HVM air defense system launcher. Photo credits: Radio Svoboda
The Stormer HVM air defense system has received a lot of positive feedback from Ukrainian anti-aircraft gunners, thanks to its reasonableness and the concept that proves to be a great asset on the battlefield. In addition, the vehicle's armor provides protection against artillery fragments and Lancet kamikaze drones that hunt for these systems.
In total, the UK government has donated six Stormer HVM air defense systems, which are currently being used on the front line to destroy enemy drones trying to adjust fire on Ukrainian soldiers.