D
Missile ForcesRussia

9K33 Osa (SA-8 Gecko)

6x6 amphibious short-range tactical surface-to-air missile systemFielded 1971Pending verification
Missile ForcesRUS
9K33 Osa (SA-8 Gecko)
Photo: Uwe Brodrecht · CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
Type6x6 amphibious short-range tactical surface-to-air missile system
Date of introduction1971
ProliferationAt least 19 countries
ManufacturerZnamya Truda PlantMed[1]
Crew5Med[1]
Dimensions and weight
Length9.1 m30 ftMed[1]
Flight performance
ChassisBAZ-5937Med[1]
Engine2D20B DieselMed[1]
Thrust / power300 hpMed[1]
Protection
NBC Protectioncollective overpressure protection with air filtrationMed[1]
Payload and range
Maximum range500 km311 mi · 270 nmiMed[1]
Fire control
Tactical RadioAzart-P (4km), Azart-N (12km), and Azart-BM (40km).Med[1]
Fire control / radarLand Roll; Target acquisition and command guidance radar for the SA-8 GeckoMed[1]
Guidance20-25 km; I Band (8-10 GHz)Med[1]
Variants
SA-8 GeckoBegan development in 1960 and was introduced in 1971-1972 with four exposed 9M33 missiles per TELAR and a maximum range of 12 km.[1]
SA-N-4 GeckoIntroduced in 1972 and is the naval version of the system with two 9M33M missiles on a Zif-122 retractable rotating launcher and improved performance.[1]
SA-8B Gecko (OSA-AK)With TELAR 9A33BM2, the 9K33M2 "OSA-AK" was introduced in 1975 with the new six-missile box launcher, each 9M33M2 missile being a sealed round.[1]
SA-8B Mod 0 / 9K33M3 "Osa-AKM" / Gecko MWith TELAR 9A33BM3 and missiles, the 9K33M3 was introduced in 1980 with the maximum range extended to 15 km (9.3 mi) and maximum altitude to 12 km (40,000 ft) as explained above. Most OSA-AKM systems also feature an IFF antenna.[1]
Saman and Saman-M(Russian Саман – adobe) is a development of the Osa\Osa-M system into target drones, used for testing and training with air defense systems, including SAMs.[1]
Osa-AKM w/ Polish and Czech Mods)Upgraded version of the SA-8B Gecko Mod-1 - Poland and Czech Republic made a local modification of SA-8 Gecko.[1]
Weapons and payload options · 2Confidence · Source
9A33 Transporter Erector Launcher and Radar (TELAR) VehicleTELAR
Med[1]
Type
TELAR
6 x 9M33 Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM)Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM)
Med[1]
Range
15 km9 mi · 8 nmi
Quantity
6 x 9M33 Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM)
Type
Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM)
Guidance
RF CLOS
Warhead
FRAG-HE
Speed
1,020 m/s
Length
3,158 mm
Summary

The 9K33 Osa (SA-8 Gecko) Russian 6x6 Amphibious Short-Range Tactical Surface-to-Air Missile System is a Russian-made highly mobile, low-altitude, short-range tactical surface-to-air missile system. "9K33" is its GRAU designation. The development program was protracted with major redesigns of both the missile and launch platform required.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
ArmeniaAzerbaijanBulgariaBelarusCubaAlgeriaEcuadorGeorgiaGreeceIndiaJordanLibyaPolandRomaniaRussiaSyriaTurkmenistanUkraine
Sources
  1. 9K33 Osa (SA-8 Gecko) Russian 6x6 Amphibious Short-Range Tactical Surface-to-Air Missile System, U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-10 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import
  • 2026-10-10 Added photo (CC BY-SA 2.0)