Ukrainian drones dismantle Russian air defence in 12‑hour strike
Ukrainian drone forces destroyed three Russian Buk air defence systems within 12 hours, reports the Ukrainian portal Defence Express. Soldiers from the 413th Airborne Drone Systems Battalion accomplished this feat.
Ukrainian drone forces achieved a new milestone by destroying three Russian Buk air defence systems in just 12 hours. This information was reported by the Defence Express service, citing a video published on 7 April by the official channel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Precise drone attacks
Defence Express reports that Ukrainians used FPV drones to strike a Buk-M2 vehicle that the Russians had hidden in the forest. Additionally, precise hits targeted two newer generation vehicles - the Buk-M3 launchers. Each strike was documented in a video prepared by the military.
Significance of the Buk systems
To clarify, the newer 9K317M Buk-M3 system is characterised by having six interceptors and the capability to attack targets at a distance of up to 69 kilometres. The manufacturer notes that this technology effectively destroys various types of aircraft and missiles at altitudes up to 35 kilometres, although some sources suggest the maximum altitude is 26 kilometres.
The second system destroyed by the Ukrainians' new drones is the Russian Buk-M2. According to Defence Express, it is a highly mobile and multifunctional medium-range surface-to-air missile system. In the Russian Federation's army, it is used to destroy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and smaller aerial targets (including drones).
The 9K317 Buk-M2 system includes the 9A317 launcher, 9A316 transporter-loader vehicle, and the 9S18M1-3 radar station. The fire unit consists of the 9M317 guided missile, which has a targeting range of 50 kilometres and a maximum flight altitude of 26 kilometres.
