Finnish-made ItO 90M surface-to-air missile systems have been spotted in Ukrainian military service for the first time, despite Helsinki having made no public announcement about their transfer.
The systems appeared in footage released by a Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile regiment, suggesting they are already being used to counter Russian aerial attacks.
Ukrainian military personnel describe the ItO 90M as effective against cruise missiles and drones, including jet-powered unmanned aircraft.
The ItO 90M is a Finnish adaptation of the French Crotale NG short- to medium-range air defense system, mounted on a Finnish Sisu XA-181 armored personnel carrier chassis.
It uses VT-1 interceptor missiles with a maximum engagement range of 15 kilometers and an altitude ceiling of 9 kilometers. The missile can reach speeds of approximately 1,250 meters per second, equivalent to Mach 3.6 or 4,500 kilometers per hour, and carries a 13-kilogram warhead.
The number of ItO 90M systems delivered to Ukraine remains unknown. During the 1990s, Finland acquired one prototype and 20 production units, although it is unclear how many of those systems remain operational.
Ukraine has also received the French-made Crotale NG. According to official information, France supplied two batteries, but the number of launchers included in those deliveries was not disclosed.
The Crotale NG family is operated by France, Greece, Oman, South Korea, Finland and Ukraine.