The United States helped Ukraine to create the FrankenSAM system, which fires AIM-9M and RIM-7 missiles
The US helped Ukraine create two types of anti-aircraft missile systems capable of firing Western AIM-9M and RIM-7 missiles as part of the FrankenSAM project. “FrankenSAM was formed from a combination of the English words “Frankenstein” and “SAM”.
The cooperation resulted in the creation of an anti-aircraft missile system capable of firing AIM-9M Sidewinder air defense missiles. The improvised anti-aircraft system was built using radars and other components provided by US and Ukrainian allies.
American and Ukrainian engineers have implemented a technical solution that will allow the BUK system to fire RIM-7 missiles. The United States has a large number of such anti-aircraft missiles, while the number of available original Buk missiles is limited. The RIM-7 and AIM-9M missiles have already been included in previous US military aid packages.
The FrankenSAM program is crucial to provide essential air defense for Ukraine, which is under attack from Russian missiles. Protection from missile attacks remains one of Ukraine’s main challenges
