Ukrainian precision strikes weaken Russian air defences
The Ukrainians are methodically working to decrease the number of key self-propelled anti-aircraft systems. They are utilizing GMLRS rockets received from the US to eliminate them. Here, we present their performance.
Self-propelled anti-aircraft systems, due to their function, limited numbers, and difficulty in replacement, are key targets for both Ukrainians and Russians. For this reason, each detected unit is worth engaging with the best available weapon at the time.
For the Ukrainians, this category includes M142 HIMARS or M270 MLRS launchers equipped with GMLRS rockets. These launchers allow the precise elimination of targets at a distance of up to 80 kilometres. To achieve this, the batteries are in constant contact with long-range reconnaissance drone operators, enabling the observation of Russian territory even several tens of kilometres from the front line.
When interesting objects are detected, a missile attack is initiated using one or several rockets, depending on the presence of electronic warfare systems capable of jamming GPS signals, negatively affecting accuracy. Below, you can see a hit on a Buk, whose missiles ignited shortly afterward.
Buk system — a very important system for the Russians
The Buk-M system was introduced in the USSR in the late 1980s, but it has undergone many upgrades over the decades. The targeted unit could have been a standard Buk M1-2 from the 1990s, an M2 variant from the early 2000s, or the latest M3 produced since 2016.
These systems were designed as anti-aircraft and anti-ballistic shields, with an initial range of up to 40 kilometres for targets like airplanes or cruise missiles and ballistic missiles at distances of less than 20 kilometres. For the Buk-M3, these values increased up to 70 kilometres for regular targets, with likely improvements against ballistic missiles as well.
Despite these capabilities, the struck Buk could not protect itself from a GMLRS rocket attack, which most likely approached from the side or rear, outside the radar's field of view.
GMLRS rocket — a weapon that Russians dislike from the USA
A GMLRS rocket hit the Buk, which, despite the poor quality of the recording, appears to be the M30A1 variant produced since 2015, showering the area with 182,000 tungsten balls. This is indicated by the small explosion in the air that occurs just before the larger explosion of the Buk.
This type of rocket with the so-called AW (Alternative Warhead) exploding 10 metres above the ground, was designed as an alternative to controversial cluster munitions. In the case of the AW warhead, there is still an area effect, but it does not generate unexploded ordnance that can be dangerous even decades after the war. Meanwhile, the tungsten balls have enough energy to penetrate bulletproof vests or, for example, rocket bodies or tankers.
