Russian Buk-M3, Buk-M2 Combine to Down Ukrainian HIMARS Rockets, Missiles & UAVs

For the first time, Russian Forces have combined the functioning of Buk-M3 and Buk-M2 surface-to-air missiles (SAMS) to down some 40 ‘aerial targets,’ including rockets fired by American-made HIMARS, UAVs and Tochka-U ballistic missiles used by the Ukrainian Army.

“The units of the two generations of SAMs operate in a unified air defense system to distribute targets based on range and their tactical and technical characteristics. This makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of the ADS, preserve resources and significantly extend the service life of anti-aircraft missile systems,” the Russian MoD said today.

It did not however say how the two SAMs -- both belonging to different generations -- were combined together under a single command and control system.

“As a result of the combat actions of Buk-M3 and Buk-M2 SAM batteries of the Central Military District, UAVs HIMARS multiple rocket launchers and Tochka-U ballistic missiles were shot down, preventing civilian casualties and keeping critical facilities in Russian regions operational,” the ministry added.

Russia has Buk SAMS and several other types of short- and long- range air defense systems in their hundreds ringed around the conflict zone in Southern Ukraine. If some of them have been combined into a swarm, their missiles can take down a number of projectiles from different systems fired by Ukrainian forces.