The Houthi forces can mount MiG-29's surface-to-air missile launchers on ground launch pads, creating medium-range air defense complexes.
Saudi Arabian spokesman Turki al-Maliki said on December 11 that Houthi rebels in Yemen had modified their R-27 and R-73 air-to-air missiles, , Southfront reported.
Houthi's rebels apparently captured the missiles from the Yemeni air force's arsenal in the aftermath of the coup in 2015. At that time, Yemen was operating MiG-29 fighter jets with the main weapon being the name medium range R-27 and short range R-73. The R-27 has a range of up to 70 km, while the R-73 is capable of destroying targets from a distance of 30 km.
The R-27T and R-73 missiles are equipped with infrared detectors, which can be used to capture targets without radar guidance such as the R-27R. These bullets can be mounted on launchers mounted on trucks, allowing for increased maneuverability. The missile is powered by a separate transmitter, because the battery built into the missile only lasts a few minutes from activation, unsuitable for missile defense missions.
However, Houthi insurgents could not maintain the original range of the converted rocket. When launched from the ground, the ball encountered great resistance and did not have high speed as the launch pad on the aircraft, causing their range to be reduced by half. If a maximum design range is desired, the missile should be equipped with an accelerator, which is beyond the capabilities of the current Houthi faction.
phien-quan-yemen-bien-ten-lua-tiem-kich-thanh-vu-when-phong-khong
Houthi rebels (left) and R-27T missiles. Picture: Southfront.
The Arabian Air Force said Houthi's missile could have dropped at least one MQ-9 Reaper. Several reports suggest that the weapon was also used to attack the F-16 fighter of the United Arab Emirates and an F-15 Saudi Arabian airliner but failed.
The Saudi-led coalition is launching a military campaign against Houthi militants in Yemen after accusing it of overthrowing a legitimate president.
Saudi Arabia accuses Iran of helping Houthi rebels in the missile conversion project. However, experts say that every well-trained rocket technician is capable of carrying out this work without the need for external assistance.
La Linh
