Polish‑made Newa‑SC air‑defence launchers, dumped to Ukraine in 2023, are now reportedly destroying Russian rockets and drones across eastern Ukraine, according to recent photos and footage.
Photos Show Ukraine‑Wielded Newa‑SC in Action
A picture of a Newa‑SC command cabin wall, shared by the Ukrainian Air Defence Command, depicts a soldier named Igor operating the system. The configuration and distinctive Polish camouflage make the platform unmistakable.
Military Symbolism on the Wall Signals Pleased Operator
The wall features painted silhouettes of eight missiles and hundreds of drones, suggesting that the operator believes he has successfully hit these targets. While the depiction overstates the capabilities, the 1990s Polish upgrade of the system remains viewed as effective.
Ukraine’s Arsenal: How Many Newa‑SCs Made the Move?
Before the war, Polish forces owned 17 Newa‑SC sets with 51 launchers arranged on three‑launcher chassis plus one command post per set. The exact number transferred to Ukraine is unclear, with reports ranging from a few to roughly ten systems.
The Newa‑SC: From Cold War to Polish Upgrade
The S‑125 Newa first entered Warsaw Pact arsenals in the 1950s–60s, being Poland’s low‑altitude, short‑range interceptor. In the 1990s, Poland modernised the cluster by replacing vacuum electronics with microprocessors, mounting the command cabin and radar on MAZ‑543 chassis, and retrofitting launchers onto WZT‑2 platforms derived from T‑55 tanks. Missile performance itself remained largely unchanged.
Still Relevant: Newa‑SC’s Role Against Russian Drones
Despite its age, the Newa‑SC remains capable of engaging Russian drones and short‑range rockets. Ex‑Polish units first appeared in Ukrainian hands by the end of 2022, and Ukrainian operators keep the operation of these older systems closely guarded.
