At the end of November 2024, in one of our publications, we reported that France had officially confirmed the number of air defense systems provided to Ukraine. According to the report, Ukraine had received two short-range Crotale NG surface-to-air missile systems and one SAMP/T missile defense system (delivered in cooperation with Italy).
At that time, neither of these systems had been publicly observed in service with the Ukrainian Armed Forces. However, there is now the first public indication of the presence of Crotale NG, while the SAMP/T still remains out of sight.
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More specifically, the 38th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment, named after General-Colonel Yuriy Tyutyunnyk, has published a recruitment video, which suggests that this unit is equipped with French Crotale NG air defense systems.
The footage also hints at the possible presence of APKWS-equipped counter-drone systems, a direct reference to the Osa air defense system upgraded to fire R-73 air-to-air missiles, as well as teams operating ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns and other similar systems.
However, what stands out the most is the official demonstration of the French Crotale NG, as this is essentially the first official video in over two years of full-scale war showing these air defense systems in service with the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
It is important to specify that Crotale NG belongs to the category of short-range air defense systems, capable of intercepting aerodynamic aerial targets such as aircraft or subsonic cruise missiles at a distance of up to 10 kilometers. This system can engage four targets simultaneously and is armed with VT-1 missiles featuring radio-command guidance.
Interestingly, the Ukrainian Armed Forces received the Crotale NG variant with a towed launcher, although reports also indicate the existence of a version of this system mounted on the Finnish XA-180 armored personnel carrier chassis. Each launcher can carry up to eight missiles.
According to The Military Balance 2024, as of early last year, France had 20 Crotale NG launchers in service. The French military expects to receive replacements for the systems transferred to Ukraine by 2027.
Read more: Italy to Dispatch Second SAMP/T Air Defense System to Ukraine
