Ukraine Claims Destruction of $45 Million Russian Buk-M3 Air Defense System

Ukrainian forces have reportedly destroyed a Russian Buk-M3 air defense system worth $45 million.

The strike was carried out by Ukraine’s elite “Black Forest” brigade, which released footage showing smoke rising from the destroyed system at an undisclosed location, The Caspian Post reports via Ukrainian media.

The Buk-M3, a modernized version of the Soviet-era Buk missile system developed by Russia’s Almaz-Antey, can engage planes, helicopters, cruise missiles, drones, and reportedly track up to 36 targets simultaneously.

The system became widely known internationally after the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine. This attack follows a string of reported Ukrainian strikes on Russian air defenses, including previous Buk-M3 systems in Zaporizhzhia and other frontline areas.