A newly released video from the Ukrainian Air Forces’ “West” Air Command showcases the continued effectiveness of the U.S.-supplied MIM-23 I-HAWK surface-to-air missile system in intercepting Russian cruise missiles.
The footage included a clip of a Ukrainian-launched HAWK missile striking a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile in western Ukraine during a recent wave of Russian attacks.
Footage of a Ukrainian MIM-23 I-HAWK surface-to-air missile slamming into a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile over western Ukraine.
The 40-year-old US SAM system, built to face a Soviet threat and now fighting a Russian one, continues to score kills in Ukrainian service. pic.twitter.com/ecwq9uhbgg
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) May 23, 2025
The MIM-23 HAWK (Homing All the Way Killer), a medium-range surface-to-air missile system originally developed by the United States in the 1960s and widely deployed in the 1980s, is currently in Ukrainian service to counter missile threats.
Most Ukrainian-operated systems are believed to be I-HAWK Phase II and III variants, according to popular OSINT X account OSINTtechnical, refurbished and transferred from U.S. and allied inventories as part of Western military aid.
“The HAWK in the hands of our sky defenders destroys enemy cruise missiles,” the Ukrainian Air Force said in a statement accompanying the video release.
Ukraine’s “West” Air Command shared a video of the US MIM-23 Hawk SAM in action. Despite its age, it’s effective against Russian cruise missiles & drones. During a massive strike, 4 launches hit 4 targets. pic.twitter.com/YDvLhxEKg5
— WarTranslated (@wartranslated) May 23, 2025
Viktor, the commander of a Ukrainian air defense unit reported a perfect engagement record: “The complex has proven itself well. On our combat account — four missile launches and four hits.”
According to Viktor, one launcher alone accounted for the destruction of three enemy cruise missiles, with markings commemorating the interceptions now painted on the launcher’s chassis. A second launcher in a separate position destroyed an additional cruise missile during the same engagement.
“These cruise missiles were hit during the repelling of a massive combined missile and aviation strike on critical infrastructure facilities in the area of responsibility of the West Air Command,” Viktor said.
He emphasized the morale-boosting effect of the successful intercepts on his crew. “The emotions from the destruction of enemy cruise missiles are extremely positive. Everyone is happy because they saved people’s lives and prevented the destruction of important objects.”
The Kh-101, a Russian air-launched cruise missile, is typically launched from Tu-95MS or Tu-160 strategic bombers and designed to hit long-range targets with precision.
Footage of the Kh-101 cruise missile launch from the Tu-95 strategic bomber.
📹Fighterbomber pic.twitter.com/AaqORLvcgq— Massimo Frantarelli (@MrFrantarelli) December 26, 2022
Viktor credited his team’s performance to training received abroad. “We underwent training overseas. The instructors taught everything very accessibly. Our military has enough knowledge and skills to quickly master everything,” he said. “Now this is a weapon that we possess at a high level. The complex has proven itself to be reliable and easy to use.”
The U.S.-made MIM-23 I-HAWK was originally deployed to counter Soviet threats during the Cold War. Today, in Ukrainian hands, it continues that legacy by defending against Russian missile attacks
