Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
It was the same kind of missile system, that shot down Flight MH17.
Ukrainian troops say they have eliminated one of Russia’s most advanced air defense systems in a precision strike that cost Moscow tens of millions of dollars.
The military released footage of the attack but did not disclose where it took place.
According to Ukraine’s Land Forces, the “Black Forest” brigade detected and destroyed a Russian Buk-M3 anti-aircraft missile system valued at around $45 million.
The claims could not be independently verified.
A Soviet relic with modern upgrades
The Buk-M3 is considered one of Russia’s most sophisticated surface-to-air systems, capable of engaging threats in the air, on the ground, and at sea.
Originally developed in the 1970s by the Soviet Union, the Buk series has undergone several major upgrades over the decades.
The M3 version, produced by Russia’s state-owned defense company Almaz-Antey, represents the latest generation of the system.
Military experts say the Buk-M3 can track and target up to 36 objects at once, including aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones. It forms a critical part of Russia’s layered air defense network.
The Buk gained global notoriety in 2014, when a missile from the system was identified as responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine.
Third strike in 6 months – at least
This is not the first time Ukrainian forces have claimed to destroy Russian Buk systems.
In September, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) said its units hit a Buk-M3 in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
Earlier in May, Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces reported the destruction of another system along the front line.
A video of the alleged strike was released on Telegram. You can watch it here (opens new tab).
This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, who may have used AI in the preparation
