Accompanied by Armenian Minister of Defense David Tonoyan and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Artak Davtyan, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited military unit N of the Ministry of Defense. The Prime Minister was introduced to Osa-AK air defense systems that have recently been procured by the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia. Programs for military industry development were discussed during the Prime Minister’s visit. The Head of Government handed over gifts to the officers with excellent service record.
The 9K33 Osa (Wasp or NATO reporting name SA-8 Gecko) is a highly mobile, low-altitude, short-range tactical surface-to-air missile system designed in the Soviet Union. Osa was the first mobile air defense missile system incorporating its own engagement radars on a single vehicle. All versions of the 9K33 feature all-in-one 9A33 transporter erector launcher and radar (TELAR) vehicles which can detect, track and engage aircraft independently or with the aid of regimental surveillance radars. The six-wheeled transport vehicles BAZ-5937 are fully amphibious and air transportable.
