Skip to main content

Ukrainian Forces Destroy two Russian Buk-M3 Most Modern Air Defense Systems



On September 17, 2023, a video released on Telegram unveiled a groundbreaking event in the ongoing conflict near Svitlodarsk, Donetsk. The Ukrainian armed forces have reportedly destroyed two of the latest generation Buk-M3 air defense missile systems using artillery rocket launcher systems.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link


Army Recognition Global Defense and Security news
Ukrainian forces destroyed for the first time two Russian Buk-M3 air defense missile systems.  (Picture source Video footage Telegram)


The Buk-M3 is the most advanced variant of the Buk missile system lineage, which was developed by the Soviet Union and later by the Russian Federation. This system is designed to counter a myriad of aerial threats, including cruise missiles, smart bombs, fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

The Buk-M3 system has undergone significant enhancements over its predecessors. One of the primary features of the Buk-M3 is its advanced electronic components. The system's TELAR (Transporter Erector Launcher and Radar) has been upgraded to feature a tracked chassis with seven rollers, and it can accommodate six missiles in launch tubes. This design allows the Buk-M3 to simultaneously track and engage multiple targets, providing a robust defense against coordinated aerial attacks.

Furthermore, the Buk-M3's radar systems have been refined for improved target acquisition and tracking. The system employs the 9S18 "Tube Arm" or 9S18M1 (NATO reporting name "Snow Drift") target acquisition radar, which has a maximum detection range of 85 km. This radar can detect an aircraft flying at 100 m from 35 km away and can even identify lower flying targets at ranges of around 10–20 km. For missile guidance and tracking, the Buk-M3 uses the 9S35 or 9S35M1 "Fire Dome" radar, which is mounted on each TELAR.

Additionally, the Buk-M3 system has provisions for rapid reloading. The TEL reload vehicle for the Buk battery is similar to the TELAR but features a crane for missile loading. These vehicles can launch missiles directly but require the assistance of a Fire Dome-equipped TELAR for missile guidance. A reload vehicle can transfer its missiles to a TELAR in approximately 13 minutes and can reload itself from stores in about 15 minutes.

In essence, the Buk-M3 is a formidable air defense system, combining advanced radar technology, rapid reload capabilities, and the ability to engage multiple threats simultaneously.


Ukrainian Forces Destroy two Russian Buk M3 Most Modern Air Defense Systems 925 002
Russian army Buk-M3 air defense missile system. (Picture source Vitaly Kuzmin)


News Russia Ukraine War

Copyright © 2019 - 2024 Army Recognition | Webdesign by Zzam