Ukrainian troops hit Russian Buk-M3 air defense system

The operators of the Unmanned Systems Forces destroyed the launcher of Russia’s latest Buk-M3 air defense system.

The press service of the Unmanned Systems Forces reported on this.

On the night of October 21, the units of the Unmanned Systems Forces, in cooperation with other units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, discovered a 9A317M launcher of the Russian Buk-M3 air defense system 60 kilometers from the combat line.

The vehicle was destroyed by a multirotor bomber drone with a free-falling munition that hit one of the missiles on the launcher and caused the detonation of the munition.

“This example once again demonstrates the effectiveness of modern technologies: a munition costing only $500 destroyed a strike component of an enemy air defense system, which is estimated to cost about $100 million in full,” the press service of the Unmanned Systems Forces noted.

The usual operating range of bomber drones is 20 kilometers.

This distance can be increased to more than 40 kilometers for the modified drones with a satellite communication antenna, where the range is limited by the battery power reserve.

The use and successful engagement of a target at a distance of 60 km can be called a record for such a weapon.

Buk-M3 is a medium-range air defense system that is an extremely important component of the invaders’ air defense. It provides cover for ground troops from Ukrainian aviation and is capable of operating from the rear areas against targets beyond the front line.

A characteristic feature of this system that visually distinguishes it from the previous Buk-M2 model is the new anti-aircraft missiles stored in the sealed cylindrical transport and launch containers.

The new missiles of the system have significantly expanded its potential, providing interception of the aerodynamic targets at a distance of up to 70 kilometers and an altitude of up to 35,000 meters.

Last month the 413th Separate Unmanned Systems Battalion, together with the 78th Airborne Assault Regiment “Herts,” has targeted a Russian Buk-M3 in the Kursk region with HIMARS.