Ukrainian brigade obliterates Russian Buk system in dramatic strike
A video has surfaced online showing a rather spectacular strike on a Russian Buk air defense launcher. The Ukrainian 15th Artillery Reconnaissance Brigade attacked using GMLRS missiles, not only destroying the equipment but also launching the missiles loaded on the launcher. Let's recall what the Buk system is and what its capabilities are.
2:58 PM EDT, July 25, 2024
The footage posted online shows the moment of the strike on the Buk air defense system launcher and its effects on missile launches. It is most likely the Buk-M1-2 version that the Russians often use in Ukraine. The Buk system, more precisely the 9K37 Buk, is a ground-to-air missile system developed by the USSR in the late 1970s.
Ukrainians hit the Russian Buk-M1-2 system
The successor to the Soviet 2K12 Kub systems was then considered a weapon, setting new standards. Despite the many years that have passed since its first deployment in the army, the weapon can still deliver dangerous blows to enemy aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles.
The Buk-M1-2 system is a modernized ground-to-air guided missile based on the 9K37 Buk air defense systems. Work on it was carried out from 1994 to 1997. The result was an improved weapon that gained additional capabilities, primarily increasing its effectiveness against tactical ballistic missiles, ships, and aerial missiles. This involved increasing the Buk-M1-2's range to 28 miles and the altitude at which Buk can engage targets to 15 miles.
In the Buk-M1-2 system, a new, improved 9M317 missile and an enhanced guidance system were used. Additionally, radar solutions for illuminating the target were implemented. The Missilery.info service points out that this significantly improved the complex's combat capabilities for engaging low-flying targets, particularly modern cruise missiles.
