Ukrainian drone unit strikes another Russian Buk-M2 air defense system in Luhansk Oblast (video)

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.

The Russian air defense assets have been among Ukraine’s priority targets. The destruction of Russian anti-air systems paves the way for more effective Ukrainian drone and missile strikes, while also enabling greater operational use of Ukraine’s military aircraft on the battlefield. Since just October 22, Ukraine has targeted two Russian radars and five medium- to long-range air defense systems. Several more short-range systems were destroyed in that period.

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.

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