Description

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Context

The Indian Army’s Air Defence warriors from the White Tiger Division have proven their operational readiness and technical expertise during a recent live missile-firing exercise which involved the firing of the 9K33 Osa-AK missile system.

9K33 Osa-AK Missile System

What is it?

The 9K33 Osa-AK is a Russian built air defense system. It is designed to shoot down enemy aircraft, helicopters and drones flying at low altitudes.

It is a short range, mobile missile system meaning it can move quickly to different locations and protect important areas from air attacks.

Who uses it?

It was originally built by the Soviet Union in the 1960s and officially started being used in 1972.

It has been used by many countries including India.

In Western countries it is known as SA-8 Gecko which is the NATO reporting name.

Features

Feature	Details
Size	About 9.1 meters long, 2.78 meters wide and weighs up to 18 tonnes.
Crew	Operated by five people.
Missile Load	Can carry six missiles, ready to fire.
Range	Can hit targets up to 12 km away.
Speed & Mobility	Highly mobile and can move fast in battle.
Amphibious	Can travel on land and water.
Radar System	Can detect, track and engage enemy aircraft without outside help.
Protection	Equipped with a Nuclear, Biological and Chemical protection system for crew safety.
Travel Range	Can move up to 500 km on roads without refueling.

Why is it Important?

Protects against air attacks by detecting and shooting down enemy aircraft.

Can move quickly to different locations for better defense.

Works in different environments like deserts, mountains and water bodies.

Easy to transport by air to different battle zones.

Does not need extra support to find and shoot down targets.

Sources:

REPUBLICWORLD

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Which of the following statements about the 9K33 Osa-AK Missile System is incorrect?
a) It is a short-range as well as highly mobile surface-to-air missile system.
b) It can engage aerial targets in a range of 12 km.
c) It was developed by the United States and introduced in the year 1985.
d) It is fully amphibious and is capable of operating in various terrains.

Answer: c)

Explanation:
The 9K33 Osa-AK is a Soviet-era missile system and was introduced in 1972. It is a short-range, mobile, surface-to-air defense system with a 12 km engagement range. The system is fully amphibious, air-transportable and operates in different terrains.