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5. Russia's SA-8 Gecko
The 9K33 Osa, known as SA-8 Gecko by NATO, is a mobile surface-to-air missile system developed by the Soviet Union for short-range air defense. It entered service in the early 1970s and has been widely adopted by Russian and Middle Eastern forces. Known as "Romb" for export, the Osa is recognized for its rapid deployment and effectiveness against aerial threats.
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SA-8 Gecko (9K33 Osa) The SA-8 Gecko was the first air defense missile system to incorporate engagement radars on a single vehicle. Weighing 17.5 tons, it requires a crew of five. Most units were manufactured at the Znamya Truda Plant, with approximately 1,200 produced before 1988. This design laid the groundwork for future integrated air defense systems.
