On March 8, 2025, the Telegram account TyskNIP shared the first pictures of the Romanian CA-95 short-range air defense system, based on the Soviet 9K31 Strela-1 and mounted on the TABC-79 armored personnel carrier, in Ukraine. Marking its first verified deployment in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the pictures show that the vehicle retains its original Romanian camouflage, though the rondel of the Romanian Armed Forces has been painted over, suggesting the transfer occurred discreetly.
The CA-95 could intercept low-altitude threats such as aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles at altitudes between 50 and 3,500 meters, with a horizontal engagement range from 800 to 4,200 meters. (Picture source: Telegram/TyskNIP)
Although official confirmation from the Romanian or Ukrainian defense ministries has not been issued, Ukrainian air defense units have indicated that the CA-95 system is operationally deployed and reportedly effective, including claims of successfully engaging Russian helicopters. The exact circumstances and number of engagements remain unconfirmed, with no further data available.
Despite its technological age and physical obsolescence compared to newer systems, the CA-95 remains viable against contemporary threats. Designed primarily to counter aircraft and helicopters operating at low altitudes, it consists of four surface-to-air missile launchers, one on each side of its turret, and two spare missiles. Its infrared-guided missiles, a locally produced variant of the 9M31M, travel at a maximum pursuit speed of 310 m/s against retreating targets and 220 m/s against approaching targets.
