Place of origin Russia Used by See Operators | In service 2014–present Produced 2011–present | |
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Type Man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) Manufacturer KB Mashinostroyeniya - developer of the system | ||
The 9K333 Verba (Russian: Верба, "Willow") is a Russia man-portable infrared homing surface-to-air missile (SAM) MANPADS. "9K333" is the Russian GRAU designation of the system. Its US DoD designation is SA-25.
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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 brigade and two divisional sets. Four VDV units received Verba in 2014-15. 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.