Ukraine successfully uses MIM-23 HAWK to intercept Russian missiles

The MIM-23 HAWK, a medium-range surface-to-air missile system, continues to play a crucial role in modern air defense despite its origins dating back to the 1950s.

Spanish MIM-23 HAWK surface-to-air missile systems are currently stationed in Poland, with plans to transport them to Ukraine on November 24, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media. 

This move follows Spain’s earlier announcement of preparations to send the systems, making Spain the first country to supply MIM-23 HAWK missiles to Ukraine in 2022, the first year of the conflict. Ukrainian sources report that the country is now using enhanced HAWK Phase III air defense systems. Despite their age, these systems remain highly effective due to extensive upgrades in the 1990s.

The Ukrainian Air Force has demonstrated the HAWK’s capability to intercept a range of airborne threats, including Shahed drones and Kh-59 cruise missiles. Oleksandr, a Ukrainian operator, shared how the HAWK system was used to intercept Russian cruise missiles and Shahed drones, highlighting its effectiveness against these threats through his firsthand experience.

“The adrenaline was at full force! We repelled the air assault for almost the whole night. The air defense battle lasted more than six hours,” Oleksandr recalled in October 2023. Taras Chmut, a Ukrainian military expert, also praised the HAWK’s performance: “HAWK works excellently for intercepting cruise missiles. Despite its age, both the HAWK and the S-125M continue to deliver great results,” he commented on X (formerly Twitter). 

Almost a month ago, David Anderson, editor of Military.News, provided an overview of the HAWK’s effectiveness in Ukraine. 

He pointed out that the system had successfully downed over 40 Shahed drones and 14 Russian cruise missiles, demonstrating that, despite its age, it remains a vital asset in Ukraine’s defense. The MIM-23 HAWK is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system designed to safeguard critical installations and military forces from airborne threats, including aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones. Developed by Raytheon in the late 1950s, the HAWK became a cornerstone in the arsenals of the US and allied nations during the Cold War and remains in service today. 

The HAWK utilizes radar systems to detect and track targets, offering multi-layered coverage across different altitudes and ranges, making it particularly effective against fast-moving and hard-to-detect threats like cruise missiles. It is often used alongside more advanced, long-range air defense systems such as the S-300 or Patriot, providing a layered defense in areas where rapid deployment and response are critical.

By Naila Huseynova