WARSAW — Ukraine has unveiled its new RK-19 surface-to-air missile at the MSPO 2026 defense exhibition in Poland. Developed by KB Luch, part of UkrOboronProm, the missile is intended to replace the Soviet-era 9M33-series missiles used by Ukraine's Osa-AKM air defense systems.
The RK-19 was first shown publicly in April 2026 in a video address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy marking the country's defense industry day. Its intended launch platform was not confirmed at that time. The MSPO presentation has now confirmed its use with the Osa-AKM.
RK-19 Specifications
The RK-19 has a stated maximum engagement range of 10 kilometers and can engage targets at altitudes of up to 5 kilometers. Its maximum flight speed is 600 meters per second, compared with about 500 m/s for the 9M33M3 missile.
The missile uses radio-command guidance and carries a 14.3-kilogram fragmentation-high-explosive warhead. The missile and its transport-launch container have a combined weight of 163 kilograms, while the container measures 3,255 × 320 × 303 mm.
For comparison, the Osa-AKM's 9M33M3 weighs 126.3 kilograms, including a 15-kilogram warhead. It is 3,158 mm long, has a 206 mm body diameter and a 650 mm wingspan. The Osa-AKM normally carries six missiles.
The 9M33M3 has a stated engagement range of 1.5 to 10 kilometers and an altitude range of 25 meters to 5 kilometers. The Osa-AKM radar has a target detection range of up to 45 kilometers, and the missile can engage targets maneuvering at up to 8G.
Replenishing Osa-AKM Missile Stocks
Ukraine has faced declining stocks of Soviet-era 9M33 missiles, reducing the availability of Osa-AKM systems. Ukrainian forces have also previously adapted some Osa systems to use R-73 air-to-air missiles as an alternative.
The RK-19 provides a domestically produced missile designed around the existing Osa-AKM system. Its stated range and maximum engagement altitude are broadly the same as the 9M33M3, while its stated maximum speed is higher.
Ukraine has not publicly disclosed the RK-19's production volume or price.
Separately, Ukraine displayed the launcher of its new Koral air defense missile system at MSPO. The Koral launcher is mounted on a Czech Tatra truck chassis and is designed to intercept ballistic targets, showing another part of Ukraine's ongoing development of domestic air-defense capabilities.
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