Ukrainian air defense system “Rif” with RK-10 is already protecting Ukrainian skies: analysts shared details

The development of the SAM system was ongoing at the time of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine is already producing and supplying its own Rif anti-aircraft missile systems to the army, Defense Express reports .

The publication notes that their development was ongoing at the time of the full-scale Russian invasion and, despite all the difficulties, it was completed and brought to mass production.

Ukrainian military personnel said that they have been serving on this air defense system since January 2026 and actively use it to intercept enemy drones.

Analysts shared that the base for the “Rif” air defense system was the old “Strela-10” air defense system. The MTLB chassis, the launcher’s rotary mechanism, and the operator’s seat were preserved from it.

It is reported that the launcher is designed for four missiles in transport-launch containers, in the middle of which is an optical sighting station.

The publication said that it consists of a laser rangefinder, visual and thermal imaging channels, as well as a missile control system in a laser beam.

It is specified that this air defense system uses RK-10 missiles, which have a “laser trail” control system, when the aiming station guides the missile to the target in a structured laser field.

As analysts note, similar guidance systems are used in the Swedish RB-70 and British Stormer air defense systems, as well as in the newest RapidRanger.

The story of “Sospilny” showed the work of the “Rif” air defense system on a Russian drone. It is noted that the range of 4-5 km for the RK-10 is not the maximum, because it was claimed to be able to destroy targets up to 10 km away.

Analysts shared that in the video it can be seen that the unit is also armed with the Strela-10 air defense system, but in the plot it is armed with only two missiles. It is noted that the Rif air defense system is demonstrated with a full ammunition load.

“That is why the transition and direct conversion of “Strela-10” to “Rif” is of key importance, because the question of where to get missiles for Soviet air defense systems is extremely complex,” the publication explains.

(c)UNIAN 2026