Russians destroy UK's high-efficiency Supacat HMT in Ukraine

For the first time, Russians have managed to destroy the British anti-aircraft system Supacat HMT, which arrived at the front as part of support for the Ukrainian army. It was a significant victory for the invaders because the Supacat HMT, although improvised, proved to be a weapon, causing considerable losses to them. We delve into its construction and capabilities.

According to information released at the beginning of 2024, the Supacat HMT eliminates Russian equipment with 90% efficiency. This impressive effectiveness is noteworthy, considering that this system was developed in just a few months. British engineers adapted parts from Eurofighter Typhoon fighters to the chassis of a Supacat HMT truck.

A video circulating on social media demonstrates how the equipment from Great Britain was targeted and destroyed from the air by the Russians, quickly catching fire. It's possible that an ammunition explosion within the launcher fueled the flames.

It’s worth mentioning that the Supacat HMT launcher incorporates a pair of pylons from the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter, capable of deploying ASRAAM (Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile) missiles. These missiles, equipped with an advanced infrared-guided warhead, are not just tracking thermal signatures. Still, the entire thermal image of a target makes them less vulnerable to countermeasures like flares.

These missiles weigh approximately 90 kg, with the warhead accounting for 10 kg, and can reach speeds of up to Mach 3.5 (over 4000 km/h).

Given its nature as an improvised weapon, precise technical details of the Supacat HMT are hard to come by. Nonetheless, it is recognized as part of short-range air defence systems. It's believed to engage enemy targets at a maximum distance of about 19 km. Its high effectiveness offers considerable support for the Ukrainian army, supplementing other, more complex anti-aircraft systems to counteract Russian assaults.

For months, Ukrainians have expressed concerns over the scarcities of various ammunition and anti-aircraft systems. Consequently, there's speculation that such weapons will become prioritized targets for the Russians to weaken Ukraine's defensive stance further. Its NATO allies have committed to extending as much support as possible. Germany, in particular, has pledged to locate Patriots and additional ammunition for Ukraine on a global scale.