AN/TWQ-1 Avenger Aids in Repelling Drone Attack in Kyiv Region

10 November, 2024 AN/TWQ-1 Avenger air defense system in service with the 1129th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, June 2023 The AN/TWQ-1 Avenger air defense systems helped repel a large-scale attack by enemy drones in the Kyiv region. The related video was published by the Sunflower Telegram channel.

According to reports, the Stinger missile successfully engaged and destroyed targets at a range of 1.5 kilometers. As a reminder, in addition to Russian kamikaze drones, Avenger also intercepts cruise missiles. In September 2023, it was reported that the soldiers of the 1129th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment repelled a missile attack on Kyiv with the AN/TWQ-1. The anti-aircraft system uses relatively cheap and common missiles from the FIM-92 Stinger portable anti-aircraft missile system, which are massively supplied to Ukraine by Western partner countries.

This allows it to quickly integrate into Ukrainian logistics and be put on combat duty. It can also engage air targets at altitudes of up to 3.8 km and ranges of up to 5.5 km. The combat vehicle is equipped with 8 missiles and a Browning M2 12.7mm machine gun.

AN/TWQ-1 Avenger air defense system in service with the 1129th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, June 2023

Being combined with a powerful optical station with night and thermal imaging channels, it allows the unit to operate effectively in all weather conditions and times of day.

The SAM can also operate while moving in a convoy of vehicles to protect itself and other combat vehicles. This is a significant advantage over a conventional infantry unit with a portable anti-aircraft system. The self-propelled anti-aircraft missile system itself is mounted on the chassis of an HMMWV.

These vehicles are actively used by the Ukrainian military, and their repair is well mastered by army mechanics.