9K333 Verba

Verba
Type	Man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS)
Place of origin	Russia
Service history
In service	2014–present
Used by	See Operators
Production history
Manufacturer	KB Mashinostroyeniya - developer of the system
Produced	2011–present
Specifications
Warhead	1.5 kg (3.3 lb)
Engine	Solid fuel rocket motor
Flight ceiling	4.5 km (15,000 ft)
Guidance system	Three-channel optical seeker (ultraviolet, near-infrared, mid-infrared)

The 9K333 Verba (Russian: Верба, "Pussy Willow") is a Russia man-portable infrared homing surface-to-air missile (SAM). "9K333" is the Russian GRAU designation of the system.

History

The 9K333 Verba was originally developed as a replacement for the 9K38 Igla.

The Verba's primary new feature is its multispectral optical seeker, using three sensors - ultraviolet, near infrared, and mid-infrared - as opposed to the Igla-S' two. Cross-checking sensors against one another better discriminates between relevant targets and decoys, and decreases the chance of disruption from countermeasures, including lasers that attempt to blind missiles.

Production

The system is in serial production for the Russian Armed Forces, with several ground forces and airborne formations receiving Verbas since 2014. It first appeared with the Ivanovo VDV division after passing Army testing in the summer of 2011 and being confirmed for production in late 2011. As of 2015, KBM has equipped the Russian army with three brigadier and two divisional sets. MANPADS "Verba" passed state tests in 2011. Officially, it entered service in 2015. KBM signed a long term contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense to supply Verba and carries out its production.

Operators

Russia