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Ukraine Undermines Russia's Air Defense by Destroying Buk-M2 Air Defense System.
In operations in Ukraine’s Luhansk region, drone operators from the 77th Ukrainian Airmobile Brigade successfully targeted and destroyed a Russian Buk-M2 surface-to-air missile system. A video of the attack was released by the brigade's communications department on November 4, 2024, highlighting the effectiveness of Ukrainian reconnaissance and strike drones in neutralizing key assets of the Russian air defense.
The Buk-M2 is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system designed to intercept various aerial threats. (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD)
The Buk-M2 was initially detected by a reconnaissance drone, likely a FlyEye UAV, as suggested by the interface shown in the video. This drone played a central role in coordinating the attack by transmitting real-time targeting data to Ukrainian forces.
To conduct this strike, the 77th Brigade deployed FPV (First-Person View) combat drones, which attacked the Buk’s 9A317 launcher. Due to the quality of the video, the full extent of the strike's success remains difficult to assess. However, the targeted Buk-M2, designed to defend against aerial threats including aircraft, helicopters, drones, and various missile types, was unable to detect the reconnaissance drone, underscoring the persistent challenges that even advanced air defense systems face against modern drones.
The elimination of such air defense systems not only reduces the threat to Ukrainian aircraft conducting ground strikes but also facilitates reconnaissance and strike missions by Ukrainian drones in contested zones.
Air defense systems like the Buk-M2 play a strategically essential role in modern conflicts. Designed to protect troops and infrastructure from a wide range of aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, drones, and even ballistic missiles, these systems provide an indispensable layer of defense. Their effectiveness relies on rapid and accurate detection capabilities, enabling them to neutralize threats before they reach their targets. In the context of the Ukrainian conflict, where airspace is heavily contested, systems like the Buk-M2 are particularly important for limiting the use of enemy air strikes and reconnaissance. However, the rapid evolution of drone technology and electronic warfare tactics increasingly exposes their vulnerabilities, highlighting the need for these systems to adapt continually.
The Buk-M2 is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system designed to intercept various aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, drones, and missiles. Widely used by Russia and Kazakhstan, this system includes four missiles, such as the 9M317 or 9M38 models, capable of reaching targets at distances ranging from 2,500 to 50,000 meters. Each missile weighs approximately 710 kg and measures 5.5 meters in length. Equipped with a 50 to 70 kg warhead and a 180 kg explosive load, the missile uses semi-active radar homing for terminal guidance, supported by an inertial system for mid-course corrections. The system relies on a phased-array radar to detect and track its targets. This imposing vehicle, measuring 8 meters in length, 3.3 meters in width, and 3.8 meters in height, is operated by a crew of four.
Since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, drones have revolutionized the conduct of military operations. Used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and even targeted strikes, they allow armed forces to carry out missions with precision and discretion while reducing risks for military personnel. The emergence of combat drones, such as FPV kamikaze models or those equipped with incendiary charges, has proven effective in penetrating enemy defenses and targeting critical assets, notably air defense systems. This technological innovation has leveled the battlefield, especially for Ukraine, allowing it to bypass certain weaknesses in its traditional aerial capabilities. In this sense, drones represent not only a tactical advancement but also a strategic shift in modern asymmetric conflicts.
The footage also reveals strikes against other targets, including enemy armored vehicles, troops, and fortified positions. According to the brigade, FPV kamikaze drones and incendiary drones were used for these attacks. One sequence specifically shows a drone equipped with an incendiary payload, deployed by the 77th Airmobile Brigade.
Earlier, in October 2024, the brigade conducted a similar strike on a Buk-M1-2 system in the same region, west of the occupied village of Honcharivka, with the assistance of drones using the same reconnaissance and strike interface. This operation was documented by OSINT analyst Dominik, highlighting the increasing precision and impact of Ukraine’s aerial capabilities against Russian air defense systems.