Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces put three Russian Buk air defense systems out of action in Russia’s Kursk region within just 12 hours. They released footage of the strikes on Telegram on Monday, April 7
The video captures the moment drones hit the air defense systems, followed by powerful explosions, although Kyiv Post could not independently verify the location or timing of the footage.
The Buk medium-range air defense system is designed to counter aircraft, cruise missiles, helicopters, and other aerial threats.
According to the report, Ukrainian pilots used first-person view (FPV) drones for precision strikes – targeting a Buk-M2 (NATO: SA-17 Grizzly) launcher hidden in a forest, which detonated after being hit.
They also struck two Buk-M3 (NATO: SA-27 Gollum) launchers, damaging their radars – a critical component for tracking and guiding missiles. Destroying the radar significantly reduces the combat capability of the system.
The Buk-M3 is one of Russia’s most advanced mobile air defense systems. It can engage targets at altitudes of up to 35 kilometers (22 miles) and track them at distances of up to 70 kilometers (44 miles).
A Ukrainian military officer, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Kyiv Post that Ukraine was increasingly using various Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to target Russian air defense systems.
The estimated cost of a complete Buk-M3 system is approximately $45 million, while the latest Buk-M1-2 air defense system is valued at around $100 million.
As Kyiv Post has previously reported, Ukrainian Special Operations (SSO) forces have reported consistent success in targeting Russian Buk systems using various tactics and attack methods since 2024.
In early 2024, the SSO destroyed several Buk systems across key sectors, including Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia, using coordinated drone strikes and artillery fire. By April, SSO operators had targeted a Buk-M1 in Donetsk, and in Sumy, drones were used to destroy a Buk and its evacuation unit at its launch position.
By May 2024, the 3rd Separate Regiment of the SSO confirmed the destruction of four Buk systems, with one targeted by a new attack drone. A typical Buk battalion includes command and radar vehicles, as well as transporter erector launchers.
In November, SSO forces, in collaboration with other Ukrainian Defense Units, took out a radar station belonging to a Russian Buk-M3 in Zaporizhzhia.