Silver Booms on the Ukraine Front Line

In service since 1960, the MIM-23 HAWK air defense system has once again demonstrated its combat effectiveness on the frontlines of the war in Ukraine.

The HAWK air defense system is engineered to counter a range of airborne threats, focusing on those at medium altitudes. It excels at neutralizing both high-speed fighter jets and slower, low-altitude targets like cruise missiles. Depending on the model and environmental factors, the system boasts a range of roughly 25-40 kilometers and can engage targets up to 18 kilometers high. This capability positions it as a strong medium-range interceptor, bridging the gap between short-range defenses and long-range, high-altitude missile systems.

Central to the HAWK’s operation are its radar systems, such as the AN/MPQ-61 and AN/MPQ-62, which deliver advanced 3D tracking and targeting. These radars play a vital role in detecting, monitoring, and engaging fast-moving aerial threats across varied conditions.

These radar systems are classified, so there is no publicly available information explicitly confirming that silver is used in construction, but we can infer that they rely on complex electronics, including transistors, wiring, circuit boards, where silver is commonly used.

Developed and manufactured by Raytheon Company, approximately 40,000 known of these particular missiles have been produced and employed numerous times across the world's conflicts.

The system has also been stolen by Iran, who have mass produced these missiles batteries since 2009. Data on the amount is not available.

Notable is the fact that this missile system uses zinc-silver oxide batteries.

In 2012, Christopher Tappin plead guilty to his attempt to export of 50 Eagle-Picher P/N GAP 4328 zinc/silver oxide batteries to Iran. It was disclosed that these are special components for the Hawk Air Defense Missile.

Today, the MIM-23 HAWK serves not just as a defensive tool and as a cornerstone of Ukraine’s comprehensive plan to safeguard its skies from Russian missiles and aircraft, but as a silver eraser.

By integrating systems like the HAWK, Patriot, and NASAMS, Ukraine builds a layered defense framework that tackles threats across various altitudes and distances. The HAWK’s medium-range capabilities are vital, bridging the divide between short-range air defenses and sophisticated long-range missile interceptors.

Spain and the United States’ ongoing provision of HAWK systems underscores a global dedication to bolstering Ukraine’s air defense strength. With Russia persistently attacking key infrastructure through missile barrages, the HAWK’s ability to counter these threats is indispensable, contributing to a dynamic, multi-layered defense against an ever-changing aerial battlefield.

Despite its origins decades ago, the MIM-23 HAWK air defense missile system remains a linchpin in contemporary warfare strategies. Through continuous upgrades, additional deliveries from Spain and the United States, and seamless integration into Ukraine’s wider air defense network, the HAWK stands as a vital asset in Ukraine’s mission to defend its sovereignty and essential infrastructure from aerial attacks.

Next time you see a video of the HAWK in operation, remember the silver that is never coming back.