According to a video published by the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) on October 5, 2022, the modernized version of the OSA 9K33, NATO code-named SA-8 Gecko mobile air defense missile system deployed by the Russian army in Ukraine continues to be efficient against Ukrainian aircraft, helicopters, and drones including Bayraktar UAVs.
Citing information from the Russian Ministry of Defense, the OSA 9K33 (NATO code SA-8 Gecko) mobile air defense missile system is used to protect motorized rifle units and has already destroyed more than hundred Ukrainian drones including popular Turkish-made Bayraktar UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Systems).
In the Russian army, the OSA 9K33 is used at the front line. Currently, the air defense missile system is deployed in the Donbas region and controls the airspace 24 hours a day to protect Russian troops and cities against Ukrainian armed forces’ air strikes.