Drone-led discovery leads to destruction of Russian Buk‑M1 system
The Ukrainians are systematically working to counteract Russian anti-aircraft defense systems. Every launcher detected by a drone is considered worth the usage of even such expensive and precise weaponry as the GMLRS missile of the M142 HIMARS system. We delve into the details of this recent Russian loss.
2:21 AM EST, November 30, 2023
In the video below, a Ukrainian drone, likely a military-grade FlyEye designed to operate under such conditions, locates a concealed Russian Buk-M1 anti-aircraft system within a forest. This system was subsequently destroyed by a GMLRS missile launched from the M142 HIMARS system.
This isn’t the first instance of a Russian anti-aircraft system being eliminated. They hold high priority for the Ukrainian armed forces, on par with electronic warfare systems. These crucial targets are not easily replaceable by the Russians.
As a result, the Ukrainian aviation, albeit limited in arsenal, has more flexibility in operations. Larger drones with a range of several hundred to thousands of miles can penetrate deeper into Russian territory with greater ease. Russia, meanwhile, is forced to scramble to compensate for the anti-aircraft systems lost at their frontlines.
The M142 HIMARS: America's cavalier against Russia
American systems employ missiles from the GMLRS family with a range of roughly 50 miles, or short-range ballistic MGM-140 ATACMS missiles (a range between 102-186 miles depending on the version of the projectile).
In this particular incident, GMLRS missiles were likely used, indicated by the characteristic explosion in the air and the ensuing "circle of death" wherein an Alternative Warhead showered the area with lethal tungsten balls.
Worth noting is the fact that all guided missiles used in the M142 HIMARS system combine inertial and satellite navigation, ensuring accuracy within a few yards. However, recent evidence suggests that the Russians have learned to disrupt GPS signals. Therefore, in the presence of their electronic warfare systems, the precision of these American missiles might be compromised.
