As winter approaches and the threat of Russian strikes looms over Ukraine’s power grids, the country is adopting a unique approach to bolster its air defenses. In collaboration with the U.S., Ukraine is pursuing the FrankenSAM program—a hybrid system marrying advanced Western surface-to-air missiles with Soviet-era launchers and radars from its own stockpiles. The article explores the development of FrankenSAMs, including the testing of variants combining Soviet Buk launchers with American Sea Sparrow missiles and Soviet-era radars with American Sidewinder missiles. These unconventional air defense solutions aim to address critical gaps in Ukraine’s defenses, showcasing the nation’s ability to creatively adapt and re-purpose military assets amidst ongoing conflict.

Read more at the New York Times.