August 14,
2008: While Georgian ground forces have
been pushed around by the recent Russian invasion, Georgian air defenses have
been noticeably more effective. The Russians have admitted to losing four
aircraft (three Su-25 ground attack bombers and a Tu-22 bomber flying a reconnaissance
mission.) Most, or all, appear to have been brought down by the SA-11 BukM1
surface-to-air missile systems (obtained from Ukraine).
The SA-11 is
the successor to the SA-6, which did so much damage to the Israeli Air Force
during the 1973 war. The SA-11 launchers are self-propelled and carry four
1,500 pound missiles. The missiles have a 30 kilometer range, and can hit
aircraft at up to 72,000 feet. The missiles move at about 2,900 kilometers an
hour. The battery radar, which is also self-propelled, can detect aircraft at up
to 85 kilometers away. The system can be set up and ready to fire in five
minutes. The missile has a 150 pound warhead, that is triggered by a radar
proximity fuze.
The
Georgians also have some Tor-M1 systems,
also obtained from Ukraine. Also known to NATO as the SA-15 Gauntlet, it has a
maximum range of 12 kilometers. It is only effective up to 6,000 meters
altitude. The system was designed as a successor to the SA-N-8 Gecko. Each
launcher carries eight missiles, and it is claimed to be capable of engaging
two targets simultaneously. The system was designed to be a tactical
battlefield air-defense system, designed to take out close-air-support planes
like the A-10 or tactical fighter-bombers like the F-4, F-16, and F-18.
Georgia
claims to have downed ten Russian aircraft as of August 11th, and the true air
losses won't be known until photos appear of all the aircraft wreckage. It is
interesting that Russia was unable to come up with effective countermeasures
against missile systems they had designed. The Russians knew of Ukrainian arms
exports to Georgia, and the presence of the SA-11s and SA-15s. This is another
mystery that will only be explained over time.
