Aging American-made HAWKs still hunting in Ukraine

Ukraine is investing nearly $200 million in the MIM-23 HAWK missile system, an American-made air defense platform originally developed in the 1950s. While that may sound outdated, the Homing All the Way Killer, or HAWK, remains lethal thanks to decades of upgrades and a newly refurbished support infrastructure in the United States.

First fielded in the 1950s and then adopted across NATO, the HAWK system was once the alliance’s standard air defense platform. Though phased out in favor of more advanced systems like the Patriot and NASAMS, the HAWK is retaining a surprising amount of relevance. That’s especially true in Ukraine, where it plays an active role in intercepting slow-moving Russian drones.

Thanks to modern upgrades, the HAWK can still effectively counter threats like Russia’s Geran II unmanned aerial vehicles, a locally branded version of Iran’s Shahed-136. With an 85% kill rate and a range of roughly 30 miles, the HAWK may lack the flash of newer systems but offers consistent, proven performance.

Layered defenses are best

The HAWK system now forms a critical part of Ukraine’s layered air defense strategy. While it can’t intercept ballistic missiles or the fastest aircraft, it’s been remarkably effective against the kind of low-and-slow threats Russia has increasingly deployed.

In fact, the system has performed so well that Ukrainians have posted “thank you” videos to American donors in appreciation of the HAWK’s impact. Officials believe Ukraine operates enough components for about four HAWK batteries, with each battery typically made up of six launchers — each launcher holding three missiles.

The U.S. previously donated HAWK systems and munitions but now they are structuring further support as formal weapons sales. A recently approved $322 million U.S. arms package for Ukraine includes $172 million specifically for HAWK-related purchases — covering vehicles, maintenance, spare parts and training.

Oklahoma to Kyiv pipeline

To meet growing demand, the U.S. Army brought old HAWK missiles out of storage and back to life. In February, a modernized facility called the Theater Readiness Monitoring Facility (TRMF) opened at the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant in Oklahoma. The military specifically built the TRMF to test, inspect and repair older missile systems like the HAWK.

So far, the military has processed more than 2,700 HAWK missiles through the TRMF. In addition to refurbishing American stockpiles, the facility is also servicing 825 missiles and components donated by six allied nations. Teams from the facility have even traveled overseas to help with disassembly and shipping operations for HAWK equipment.

HAWK Project Manager Ellsworth “Kenny” Johnson III said the system still has plenty of value in today’s battlefield.

“HAWK interceptors are needed more than ever, as a new generation of HAWK air defenders protect property and — more importantly — innocent lives in the 21st century,” Johnson said at the TRMF ribbon-cutting ceremony.

From free to fee

After retaking office, President Donald Trump shifted U.S. strategy in helping Ukraine from military aid and donations to traditional weapons sales, citing concerns about the long-term financial impact of supporting Ukraine’s war effort. Trump is now fully on board with supplying “defensive weapons” and recently greenlit the latest arms package.

“Ukraine has to be able to defend themselves,” Trump said in late July. “They’re getting hit very hard now. We’re going to send some more weapons — defensive weapons primarily.”

The sale marks a change in strategy following a short pause in arms shipments directed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The pause aimed to reassess U.S. stockpiles but has since been lifted amid escalating Russian air attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.

HAWKs and NASAMS: hunting buddies?

Ukraine also operates the more modern NASAMS air defense system, built by Norway’s Kongsberg. In a nod to interoperability, Kongsberg developed a command module that allows the older HAWK launchers to be integrated into newer NASAMS networks.

This blending of legacy and modern systems is a practical solution in a world where demand for air defense systems far outstrips supply. For example, Lockheed Martin can only produce about 600 Patriot missiles per year for a long list of global customers. That makes refurbished systems like the HAWK a strategic stopgap.

From the Cold War to today’s war

Developed by Raytheon in the 1950s, the company originally conceived the HAWK missile to counter Cold War threats. Over time, it evolved through multiple upgrades, with the most notable being the Improved HAWK program launched in 1971. It extended the missile’s range, improved accuracy and enhanced radar capabilities.

Now, more than 60 years after its debut, the HAWK is proving indispensable once again, but this time on a very different battlefield while helping Ukraine counter a new era of threats.

In a war increasingly defined by attrition, logistics and affordability, the HAWK’s resurgence highlights a simple truth: the best defense system isn’t always the newest — it’s the one you can keep firing.