The 9K333 Verba (Russian: Верба, "Willow") is a Russian fourth-generation[1] man-portable infrared homing surface-to-air missile (SAM) MANPADS. "9K333" is the Russian GRAU designation of the system. Its NATO reporting name is SA-29 Gizmo.[2]
| Verba | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) |
| Place of origin | Russia |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2014–present |
| Used by | See Operators |
| Wars | Syrian Civil War Russo–Ukrainian war |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | KB Mashinostroyeniya - developer of the system |
| Produced | 2011–present |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 17.25 kg (38.0 lb) |
| Diameter | 72 mm |
| Warhead | 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) |
| Engine | Solid fuel rocket motor |
Operational range | 6.5 km (21,000 ft) |
| Flight ceiling | 4.5 km (15,000 ft) |
| Maximum speed | Up to 500 m/s (Mach 1.5) |
Guidance system | Three-channel optical seeker (ultraviolet, near-infrared, mid-infrared) |
History
editThe 9K333 Verba was originally developed as a replacement for the 9K38 Igla.[3]
The Verba's primary new feature is its multispectral optical seeker, using three sensors - ultraviolet, near infrared, and mid-infrared - as opposed to the Igla-S' two. Cross-checking sensors against one another better discriminates between relevant targets and decoys, and decreases the chance of disruption from countermeasures, including lasers that attempt to blind missiles.[4]
According to a KBM spokesperson, the Verba can engage fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft and “new types of threats” such as unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. “The 9K333 can effectively engage aerial targets with low infrared signature. The system can be coupled to an external identification friend or foe [IFF] unit,” the spokesperson said.
The Verba's containerised 9M336 surface-to-air missile (SAM) can be integrated into ground- and sea-based short-range air-defence (SHORAD) systems. “The SAM can also be used by air platforms,” the spokesperson added.[5]
Production
edit
The system is in serial production for the Russian Armed Forces, with several ground forces and airborne formations receiving Verbas since 2014.[6] It first appeared with the Ivanovo VDV division after passing Army testing in the summer of 2011 and being confirmed for production in late 2011.[7] As of 2015, KBM has equipped the Russian army with three brigade and two divisional sets. Four VDV units received Verba in 2014–15. MANPADS "Verba" passed state tests in 2011.[8][9][10] Officially, it entered service in 2015.[11] KBM signed a long-term contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense to supply Verba and carries out its production.[12] As of April 2017, 10 sets had been delivered, with 801 systems delivered as of November the same year.[13][14] Deliveries continue.[15][16]
Operators
edit
References
edit- ^ "All Russian airborne troops equipped Verba Manpads". www.armyrecognition.com.
- ^ "9K333 Verba". WeaponSystems.net.
- ^ New Russian Verba MANPADS will replace Igla-S Archived 26 June 2015 at the Wayback Machine - Armyrecognition.com, 15 September 2014
- ^ New-generation man-portable air defence system Verba revealed to public at Army 2015 exhibition - Armyrecognition.com, 19 June 2015
- ^ "Janes; Latest defence and security news". Janes.com.
- ^ Nikolai Novichkov & Jeremy Binnie (18 June 2015). "KBM says Verba MANPADS now being sold internationally". Retrieved 26 June 2015.
- ^ Boris Karpa (19 July 2014). "9K333 Verba MANPADS now in service with Russian military". Retrieved 26 June 2015.
- ^ ""Верба" для Сухопутных войск и ВДВ - АО Научно-производственная корпорация "КБ Машиностроения"". www.kbm.ru. Archived from the original on 8 November 2017. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
- ^ "Новейшие ПЗРК "Верба" поступили на вооружение мотострелков ЗВО - Еженедельник "Военно-промышленный курьер"". vpk-news.ru. Archived from the original on 8 November 2017. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
- ^ "Four of Russia's airborne troops equipped with VERBA 9K333 MANPADS air defense missile system". www.armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
- ^ ""Верба" — гарантированно в цель - АО Научно-производственная корпорация "КБ Машиностроения"". www.kbm.ru. Archived from the original on 26 June 2015. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
- ^ ""Верба" поступает в войска - АО Научно-производственная корпорация "КБ Машиностроения"". www.kbm.ru. Archived from the original on 8 November 2017. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
- ^ Sudakov, Dmitriy (14 April 2017). "S-500 air defence system for Russian aerospace forces almost ready". Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
- ^ "ЦАМТО / Новости / Валерий Герасимов: за пятилетний период принято на вооружение более 300 новых образцов ВиВТ". armstrade.org. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
- ^ "ЦАМТО / Новости / В мотострелковое соединение ВВО в Забайкалье поступила крупная партия ПЗРК "Верба"". armstrade.org.
- ^ "Verba 9K333 MANPADS will defend Russian long-range radar against drone attacks".
- ^ "Alert 5 " 9K333 Verba MANPADS exported to Armenia - Military Aviation News". alert5.com. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
- ^ "ВАЖНО: Российские военные предотвратили атаку на Дамаск, применив новейший ПЗРК "Верба" (+ВИДЕО, ФОТО)". Retrieved 6 December 2017.
See also
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