This footage, provided by a Ukrainian drone team, shows their drone being fired on by a Russian Strela surface-to-air missile. The missile passes within feet of the drone, but fails to detonate. Naturally, the stakes are a lot lower for drone crews versus manned aircraft, but this was still probably a hair-raising moment for the pilot at the sticks.

The 9K35 Strela (NATO: SA-13 “Gopher) is a 1970s-vintage surface-to-air missile (SAM) suite. As such, it was primarily designed to take on helicopters, which naturally present a larger signature to attack than drones. This has led to discrepancies in the missiles’ ability to read the distance from their target, and thereby, when to explode. At 0:21, we can see the missile, and the sensor in its nose, pass just outside the drone’s field-of-view.

Here is a similar video of a Strela pooching its shot on a Ukrainian drone, likely for similar reasons. On the other hand, here is a video of a Ukrainian Strela popping a Russian drone. The difference likely has to do with newer, upgraded missiles- in this case, provided by Jordan.

 

About the Author

 

       

     

Cole Simms

     

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

Need a tried-and-tested fixed blade that's trusted by police, military and protective service users all over the world? Cole recommends Ironside Edge Works for your tactical or EDC blade needs.