Czechia to transfer Kub SAM to Ukraine

10 May, 2023 Kub SAM TEL of Slovakia. Photo from open sources The Czech Republic will transfer to Ukraine two 2K12 Kub anti-aircraft missile systems and ammunition for them.

This was announced by Czech President Peter Pavel in an interview with Irozhlas. Answering a question about Ukraine's support in the war against the Russian invasion, Pavel said that in addition to already transferred equipment and ammunition, the Czech Republic would soon transfer two more Kub air defense systems with a fairly large number of missiles for them. Evidently, he meant two anti-aircraft missile battalions of the Kub air defense system.

According to the politician, Ukraine can immediately put them into operation because the Ukrainian military already has experience in the operation of this equipment. "In addition, we can provide ammunition not only from our own reserves, but also from the reserves of third countries. The Czech Republic is very active in this field," Pavel added.

Kub SAM TEL of Slovakia.

Photo from open sources

In March, Militarnyi reported that, as part of military assistance, the Slovak government also approved the transfer of 2K12 Kub anti-aircraft missile systems to Ukraine. According to Jaroslav Nad Slovak Defense Minister, the country will transfer elements of the Kub air defense system, suitable spare parts, and ammunition for this system.

Kub SAM

2?12 Kub is a Soviet medium-range anti-aircraft missile system developed by the Vympel NPO. The complex was manufactured in the Soviet Union from 1967 to 1983.

The technical characteristics of the system provide detection of air targets at ranges up to 65 km and their firing at distances from 4.5 to 23.5 km and at altitudes up to 14,000 meters. The anti-aircraft missile system includes a self-propelled target acquisition and distribution radar, a control post, and four self-propelled launchers. Each TEL contains three 3?9 anti-aircraft guided missiles.

Czech 2K12 Kub air defense systems in March 2018.

Photo credits: Armed Forces of the Czech Republic

The main targets for the Kub air defense system are aircraft and cruise missiles with speeds up to 600 m/s (on collision courses). In modern conditions, the tactical and technical characteristics of the system should provide the ability to counteract Russian Kh-101 and Kalibr subsonic cruise missiles, as well as kamikaze drones. Czech systems can be easily integrated into the Ukrainian air defense network.

In addition to the operation of Kub SAM in standard mode as part of the base system, the launchers of this air defense system can be easily integrated into the more modern Buk anti-aircraft missile system.