PARIS, — June 15, 2026 : Ukrainian developers have unveiled the DRAGON ground-based air defense system at the Eurosatory 2026 international defense exhibition in Paris. The system was presented by the Center of Innovative Technologies Program at the booth of Ukraine’s state-owned defense trade enterprise SpetsTechnoExport.
DRAGON is a mobile air defense complex designed to convert aircraft-launched air-to-air missiles into ground-based interceptors. The system utilizes short-range missiles equipped with infrared homing seekers and is intended to engage threats such as drones, helicopters, cruise missiles, and low-flying aircraft.
Multiple Missile Options
The launcher currently supports three missile types:
- R-60 (AA-8 Aphid) — engagement range up to 5 km
- AIM-9M Sidewinder — engagement range of 8–10 km
- R-73 (AA-11 Archer) — engagement range of 10–15 km
Ukrainian developers said work is also underway to integrate the AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II, the most advanced variant of the Sidewinder missile family.
Rapid Deployment and Remote Operation
The DRAGON system can be deployed and brought to combat readiness within 15 minutes. It can remain in active mode for up to eight hours or stay in standby mode for up to 14 days.
The launcher is operated through a remote control console, allowing crews to control the system from a safe distance. Communication can be established through either a secure wired connection or a Starlink satellite terminal, providing operational flexibility in different environments.
BALOO Support Trailer
Alongside the launcher, developers introduced the BALOO transport and loading trailer, designed to support DRAGON operations in the field.
The trailer can carry six to eight missiles, including configurations of eight AIM-9 missiles or a mixed load of four AIM-9 missiles and two R-73 missiles.
BALOO also carries 240 liters of liquid nitrogen, which is used to cool the missiles’ infrared homing seekers before launch. Since the missiles were originally designed for aircraft use, cooling is required to ensure effective target acquisition when launched from a ground-based platform.
Part of Ukraine’s Expanded Presence at Eurosatory
The debut of DRAGON comes as Ukraine significantly expands its participation at Eurosatory 2026. More than 80 Ukrainian defense manufacturers are taking part in this year’s exhibition, an eightfold increase compared with the 2024 event.
The exhibition, held from June 15–19 at Paris Nord Villepinte, is showcasing a wide range of Ukrainian defense technologies developed and adapted in response to current operational requirements.
The DRAGON system offers a mobile and cost-effective air defense solution by enabling the use of existing Soviet-era and Western missile stocks on a single ground-based launch platform.
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