9K33M Osa (RS-SA-8 Gecko)

The 9K33 Osa is a highly mobile, low-altitude, short-range tactical surface-to-air missile system developed in the Soviet Union in the 1960s and fielded in 1972. Its export version name is Romb.

Developed in the 1960s to provide Soviet motorized rifle divisions with an autonomous, all-weather air defense capability against low-altitude threats, the base 9K33 system officially entered service in 1971. The upgraded 9K33M3 "Osa-AKM" variant, which introduced improved radar capabilities and containerized missiles, was fielded in 1980. The system has seen extensive combat deployment globally, including the 1982 Lebanon War, the Gulf War, and more recently, heavy usage by both sides in the Russo-Ukrainian War. Although being phased out in favor of modern systems like the Tor-M2, the Osa remains in active service with dozens of nations due to its rugged reliability and amphibious design.