Ukrainian drone unit strikes another Russian Buk-M2 air defense system in Luhansk Oblast (video)
Ukraine's 77th Separate Airmobile Brigade used reconnaissance drones for targeting and FPV drones for the attack.
Ukrainian drone operators have successfully struck a Russian Buk-M2 air defense system in Luhansk Oblast, Militarnyi reports, citing the combat footage, shared by the communications department of Ukraine’s 77th Separate Air Assault Brigade.
According to the video, the Brigade’s Strike Drones Company started the operation with a reconnaissance drone locating the target and coordinating the subsequent strikes. Militarnyi says that based on the interface features shown in the footage, the reconnaissance drone was likely a FlyEye model.
The strike targeted the Buk-M2 system’s 9A317 transporter erector launcher and radar (TELAR) vehicle using FPV drones, but the low quality of the footage “doesn’t allow for definitive assessment of the strike results,” Militarnyi notes.
The Buk-M2 air defense system is designed to protect troops and facilities from aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise and ballistic missiles.
“The Russian system failed to detect the Ukrainian reconnaissance drone, which should have been a typical target for the complex. This once again emphasizes that reconnaissance UAVs are challenging targets even for advanced air defense systems,” Militarnyi concludes.
The footage also showed strikes on other equipment, personnel, and fortifications, employing both FPV kamikaze drones, UAVs equipped with drop munitions and incendiary mixtures.
In early October 2024, the 77th Separate Air Mobile Brigade had destroyed another Russian Buk-M1-2 air defense system, also in Luhansk Oblast, west of the occupied village of Honcharivka.
Related:
- ISW: Ukraine struck seven Russian air defense installations since Oct. 20
- Ukraine says it struck Russian Nebo-M radar with ATACMS, potentially enhancing cruise missile effectiveness
- Ukrainian military hit Russian S-300 air defense system in Rostov Oblast
- Ukraine continues efforts to degrade Russian air defense capabilities, destroying Russia’s BUK and Tor systems (video)
- Ukraine hit three Russian S-300/400 air defense batteries in occupied Crimea, General Staff says
- Ukraine destroys Russia’s BUK surface-to-air missile launcher, damages two more radar-equipped launchers
You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.
We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society.
A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support.
