British-Made Missiles Repurposed by Ukraine to Take Down Russian Drones

British-made fighter jet missiles have been successfully adapted for ground-based use by Ukrainian forces and are being used to destroy Russian drones, according to newly released footage and defence sources.

Video verified by open-source analysts shows Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAMs), originally intended for launch from fighter aircraft, being fired from improvised land platforms and successfully intercepting Russian unmanned aerial vehicles. The footage marks a notable achievement in Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to counter drone threats using rapidly modified Western-supplied weapons.

The ASRAAM, manufactured in the United Kingdom, is designed to target fast-moving aircraft with a heat-seeking warhead and high-speed performance. Ukrainian forces, facing increased drone attacks from Russia, particularly from Iranian-designed Shahed drones, have repurposed the missile into a surface-to-air system. The conversion process reportedly took just three months and was accomplished with technical assistance from Western experts.

The move reflects a growing trend in Ukraine’s battlefield strategy, repurposing existing equipment for urgent new uses amid ongoing shortages in traditional air defence systems. Analysts say the ground-launched ASRAAMs are being deployed to protect key infrastructure and urban centres from waves of drone strikes that have become a persistent feature of Russia’s aerial campaign.

Though not originally designed for surface launch, the missiles have demonstrated precision and effectiveness in this new role. Military experts note that while these systems are not a permanent replacement for conventional air defence platforms, they provide a valuable tactical solution, offering immediate coverage in regions where other defences may be thin or delayed.

The United Kingdom has not officially commented on the modified deployment but has continued to reaffirm its support for Ukraine’s defence against Russian aggression. British military assistance to Ukraine has included advanced weaponry, training, and logistical aid, with the repurposed ASRAAMs seen as a practical extension of that commitment.

Ukrainian officials have described the system as a successful example of innovation under pressure, crediting engineers and frontline units for adapting quickly to the evolving nature of the war. As the conflict stretches into its third year, Ukraine’s ability to re-engineer existing weaponry is increasingly being viewed as a key element in maintaining defensive resilience and countering Russia’s technological tactics.

The modified missile system is expected to remain in use as Ukraine continues to expand and refine its layered air defence network.

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