The “Come Back Alive” Foundation has successfully completed its HORNET project, investing over 14 million hryvnias ($340,000) to modernize the Osa wheeled surface-to-air missile systems (SAMs), also known in the West as SA-8 Geckos.
These upgrades aim to enhance Ukraine’s capability to counter drones, helicopters, aircraft, and missiles in its ongoing defense efforts.
All anti-aircraft missile regiments of the Ukrainian Ground Forces equipped with “Osa” systems have now received the modernized units. As a result of the HORNET project, these systems can now deploy not only the standard 9M33M3 surface-to-air missiles, which are in short supply, but also R-73 air-to-air guided missiles, which are currently more abundant in Ukraine’s arsenal.
“Aviation missiles have a distinct advantage as they operate on a ‘fire-and-forget’ principle. Unlike the Osa’s standard missiles, the R-73 does not require continuous guidance,” explained Oleksiy Dubinka, a military consultant for “Come Back Alive” and a servicemember. “This allows the system to relocate immediately after firing, reducing the risk of retaliatory strikes.”
Dubinka highlighted that the modernization of the “Osa” systems within the Ukrainian Ground Forces parallels the U.S.-assisted “FrankenSAM” program being implemented by the Ukrainian Air Force.
“The difference,” he noted, “is that the FrankenSAM program employs air-to-air missiles supplied by international partners, while HORNET relies on missiles and SAM systems that have been in service since the 1970s.”
The HORNET project was funded entirely through general donations managed by the “Come Back Alive” Foundation, rather than a dedicated public campaign. This approach underscores the organization’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s military with effective and practical solutions.
The upgrades are expected to significantly enhance the combat capabilities of the “Osa” systems, providing a critical edge in defending against a variety of aerial threats.