Missile 2K12 Kub (SA-6 Gainful)

Development of the 2K12 began in 1958. Flight trials commenced in 1959, and the system achieved its first aerial target destruction during state trials in 1963. It was accepted into service in 1967. Modernization efforts in the 1970s produced the M1 and M3 variants. The M4 variant, adopted in 1978, established interoperability between 2K12 components and the successor 9K37 system.

The 2K12 is a mobile, tracked surface-to-air missile system designed to protect ground forces from air attack. A standard battery consists of a 1S91 radar vehicle and four transporter erector launchers. The radar vehicle integrates target acquisition and illumination radars, an IFF interrogator, and an optical tracking channel. The missile employs command guidance with terminal semi-active radar homing. Propulsion is provided by a combined system featuring a solid-fuel rocket motor and a ramjet sustainer. The missile carries a high-explosive fragmentation warhead equipped with contact and proximity detonation mechanisms. Later iterations include optical tracking systems to permit engagements during heavy electronic jamming or radar silence.

The system has been widely exported under the designation Kvadrat and is operated by numerous countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It was used during the Yom Kippur War, where it accounted for losses of Israeli A-4 and F-4 aircraft. During the 1982 Lebanon War, Syrian batteries were engaged during Operation Mole Cricket 19. In the 1991 Gulf War, Iraqi forces used the system to engage coalition aircraft, with incidents involving an F-16 and a B-52. During the Yugoslav Wars, the system was used to down an F-16 and an Mi-17.

The 2K12 has also seen use in the Western Sahara War, the Iran-Iraq War, and the Chadian-Libyan conflict. Recent combat deployments include the Syrian Civil War and the Yemeni Civil War, where a modified version was used to down an MQ-9. During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian forces have utilized modernized units and systems donated by the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Current operators include India, Egypt, Algeria, and several Eastern European nations.

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