9K33

The 9K33 Osa is a Soviet-era, low-altitude, short-range, all-weather tactical surface-to-air missile system. Its NATO reporting name is SA-8 Gecko. Developed in the 1960s, the Osa was designed to provide mobile air defense for ground troops, typically at the regimental or divisional level, protecting them from low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles.

The system is mounted on a wheeled, amphibious chassis, allowing for high mobility over various terrains. A typical Osa battery consists of a command post vehicle, an acquisition radar vehicle, and several transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) vehicles. The TEL vehicles carry the missiles and are capable of launching them directly. The radar provides target detection and tracking, with data being relayed to the command post for engagement decisions.

The primary armament of the 9K33 Osa is the 9M33 series of surface-to-air missiles. These missiles are typically solid-fueled and guided by infrared homing or semi-active radar homing, depending on the specific variant. Over its service life, the Osa system has undergone several upgrades, resulting in improved radar, missile capabilities, and electronic countermeasures.

The 9K33 Osa has seen extensive service with the Soviet Union and its successor states, as well as being exported to numerous other countries. It has been deployed in various conflicts around the world and remains in service with several nations, though many have been replaced by more modern air defense systems.