A standard Buk battalion consists of a command vehicle,target acquisition radar (TAR) vehicle, sixtransporter erector launcher and radar (TELAR) vehicles and three transporter erector launcher (TEL) vehicles. A Buk missile battery consists of two TELAR (four missiles apiece) and one TEL vehicle, with six missiles for a full complement of 14 missiles.
With the integration of a new missile, the Buk-M1-2 and Buk-M2 systems also received a new NATO reporting nameGrizzly and a new DoD designationSA-17. Since 2013, the latest incarnation "Buk-M3" is currently in production and active service with a new DoD designationSA-27.[3][4]
A naval version of the system, designed byMNIIRE Altair (currently part ofGSKB Almaz-Antey) for theRussian Navy, received theGRAU designation3S90M and will be identified with the NATO reporting nameGollum and a DoD designationSA-N-7C, according toJane's Missiles & Rockets. The naval system was scheduled for delivery in 2014.[5]
Development of the 9K37 "Buk" started on 17 January 1972 at the request of theCentral Committee of the CPSU.[7] The development team included many of the same institutions that had developed the previous 2K12 "Kub" (NATO reporting name "Gainful", SA-6), including theTikhomirov Scientific Research Institute of Instrument Design (NIIP) as the lead designer and theNovator design bureau, which was responsible for the development of the missile armament.[7]Agat [ru] were employed to developradar-homing capacities[8] In addition to the land-based system, a marine system was to be produced for the Navy: the 3S90 "Uragan" (Russian:"Ураган";hurricane) which also carries the SA-N-7 and "Gadfly" designations.[9]
The Buk missile system was designed to surpass the 2K12 Kub in all parameters, and its designers, including its chief designerArdalion Rastov, visited Egypt in 1971 to see Kub in operation.[10] Both the Kub and Buk used self-propelled launchers developed by Ardalion Rastov. As a result of this visit, the developers came to the conclusion that each Buktransporter erector launcher (TEL) should have its own fire control radar, rather than being reliant on one central radar for the whole system as in Kub.[10] The result of this move from TEL totransporter erector launcher and radar (TELAR) was a system able to shoot at multiple targets in multiple directions at the same time.
In 1974 the developers determined that although the Buk missile system is the successor to the Kub missile system, both systems could share some interoperability. The result of this decision was the 9K37-1 Buk-1 system.[7] Interoperability between Buk TELAR and Kub TEL meant an increase in the number of fire control channels and available missiles for each system, as well as faster entry of Buk system components into service. The Buk-1 was adopted into service in 1978 following completion of state trials, while the complete Buk missile system was accepted into service in 1980[10] after state trials took place between 1977 and 1979.[7]
The naval variant of the 9K37 "Buk", the 3S90 "Uragan", was developed by theAltair design bureau under the direction of chief designer G.N. Volgin.[11] The 3S90 used the same 9M38 missile as the 9K37, though the launcher and associated guidance radars were exchanged for naval variants. After the 9S90 system was tested, between 1974 and 1976 on theKashin-class destroyerProvorny, it was accepted into service in 1983 on the Project 956Sovremenny-class destroyers.[11]
No sooner had the 9K37 "Buk" entered service than the Central Committee of the CPSU authorised the development of a modernised 9K37 which would become the 9K37M1 Buk-M1, adopted into service in 1983.[7] The modernisation improved the performance of the system radars, its "probability of kill" and its resistance toelectronic countermeasures (ECM). Additionally a digital target classification system was installed, relying on spectral analysis of returned radar signals.[10] This targeting system is of different nature and purpose when compared to anIFF system.
A Buk-M1-2 SAM system 9A310M1-2 TELAR at 2005MAKS Airshow
Another modification to the Buk missile system was started in 1992 with work carried out between 1994 and 1997 to produce the 9K37M1-2 Buk-M1-2,[7] which entered service in 1998.[12] This modification introduced a new missile, the 9M317, which offered greater kinetic performance over the previous 9M38, which could still be used by the Buk-M1-2. Such sharing of the missile type caused a transition to a differentGRAU designation, 9K317, which has been used independently for all later systems. The previous 9K37 series name was also preserved for the complex, as was the "Buk" name. The new missile, as well as a variety of other modifications, allowed the system to shoot down ballistic missiles and surface targets, as well as enlarging the "performance and engagement envelope" (zone of danger for potential attack) for more traditional targets like aircraft and helicopters.[7] The 9K37M1-2 Buk-M1-2 also received a new NATO reporting name distinguishing it from previous generations of the Buk system; this new reporting name was the SA-17 Grizzly. The export version of the 9K37M1-2 system is called "Ural" (Russian:"Урал"); this name has also been applied to M2, at least to early, towed, export versions.[13]
3S90M SA missile system (graphic)
The introduction of the 9K37M1-2 system for the land forces also marked the introduction of a new naval variant: the "Ezh", which carries the NATO reporting name SA-N-7B 'Grizzly' (9M317 missile). was exported under the name "Shtil" and carries a NATO reporting name of SA-N-7C 'Gollum' (9M317E missile), according toJane's catalogue.[9] The 9K317 incorporates the 9M317 missile to replace the 9M38 used by the previous system. A further development of the system was unveiled as a concept atEURONAVAL 2004, a vertical launch variant of the 9M317, the 9M317ME, which is expected to be exported under the name "Shtil-1". Jane's also reported that in the Russian forces it would have a name of3S90M ("Smerch") (Russian:"Смерч", English translation: 'tornado').[11][14][15]
The Buk-M1-2 modernisation – based on a previous more advanced developmental system referred to as the 9K317 "Buk-M2"[7] – featured new missiles and a new third-generationphased arrayfire control radar allowing targeting of up to four targets while tracking an additional 24. A new radar system with a fire control radar on a 24 m extending boom reputedly enabled more accurate targeting of low-altitude planes.[16] This generation of Buk missile systems was stalled due to poor economic conditions after the fall of the Soviet Union. The system was presented as a static display at the 2007MAKS Airshow.
In October 2007, Russian GeneralNikolai Frolov, commander of theRussian Ground Forces air defense, declared that the army would receive the brand-new Buk-M3 to replace the Buk-M1. He stipulated that the M3 would feature advanced electronic components and enter into service in 2009.[citation needed] The upgraded Buk-M3 TELAR will have a seven rollers tracked chassis and 6 missiles in launch tubes.[17]
A standard Buk battalion consists of a command vehicle,target acquisition radar (TAR) vehicle, sixtransporter erector launcher and radar (TELAR) vehicles and three transporter erector launcher (TEL) vehicles. A Buk missile battery consists of two TELAR and one TEL vehicle.
Inside the TEL of a Buk-M1-2 SAM system
The Buk-M1-2 TELAR uses theGM-569 chassis designed and produced by JSCMMZ (Mytishchi).[18] The TELARsuperstructure is a turret containing the fire control radar at the front and a launcher with four ready-to-fire missiles on top. Each TELAR is operated by a crew of four and is equipped withchemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) protection. It can guide up to three missiles against a single target. While the early Buk had a day radar tracking system 9Sh38 (similar to that used onKub,Tor andOsa missile system), its current design can be fitted with a combined optical tracking system with a thermal camera and a laser rangefinder for passive tracking of the target. The 9K37 system can also use the same 1S91 Straight Flush 25 kWG/H bandcontinuous wave radar as the 3M9 "Kub" system.
The 9S35 radar of the original Buk TELAR uses a mechanical scan of aCassegrain antenna reflector, where the Buk-M2 TELAR design used aPESA, for tracking and missile guidance.
A Buk-M1-2 SAM system 9S18M1-1 Tube Arm target acquisition radar (TAR) on 2005MAKS Airshow
The 9K37 uses the 9S18 "Tube Arm" or 9S18M1 (which carries the NATO reporting name "Snow Drift") (Russian:СОЦ 9C18 "Купол";dome) target acquisition radar in combination with the 9S35 or 9S35M1 "Fire Dome"H/I band tracking and engagement radar which is mounted on each TELAR. The Snow Drift target acquisition radar has a maximum detection range of 85 km (53 mi) and can detect an aircraft flying at 100 m (330 ft) from 35 km (22 mi) away and even lower flying targets at ranges of around 10–20 km (6–12 mi).
Console of the upgraded TELAR of a Buk-M2E
The TEL reload vehicle for the Buk battery resembles the TELAR, but instead of a radar they have acrane for the loading of missiles. They are capable of launching missiles directly but require the cooperation of a Fire Dome-equipped TELAR for missile guidance. A reload vehicle can transfer its missiles to a TELAR in around 13 minutes and can reload itself from stores in around 15 minutes.
Also, the Buk-M2 featured a new vehicle like TELAR but with radar atop of atelescopic lift and without missiles, called a target acquisition radar (TAR) 9S36. This vehicle could be used together with two TELs 9A316 to attack up to four targets, missile guidance in forested or hilly regions.
The mobile simulator SAM Buk-M2E was shown at MAKS-2013. A self-propelled fire simulator installation JMA 9A317ET SAM "Buk-M2E", based on the mobile, is designed for training and evaluating the combat crew in the war environment to detect, capture, lock on to ("maintain") and defeat targets. A computer information system fully records all actions of the crew to a "black box" to allow objective assessment of the consistency of the crew's actions and results.[19]
All vehicles of the Buk-M1 (Buk-M1-2) missile system use anArgon-15A computer, as does theZaslon radar (the first Soviet-made airborne digital computer, designed in 1972 by the Soviet Research Institute of Computer Engineering (NICEVT, currentlyNII Argon). It is produced at aChișinău plant originally named "50 Years of the USSR".[20][21] The vehicles of Buk-M2 (Buk-M2E) missile system use a slightly upgraded version of Argon-A15K. This processor is also used in such military systems asanti-submarine defenceKorshun andSova, airborne radars forMiG-31 andMiG-33, mobile tactical missile systemsTochka,Oka andVolga. Currently,[when?] Argons are upgraded with the Baget series of processors by NIIP.[citation needed]
The system is estimated to have a 70% to 93% probability of destroying a targeted aircraft per missile launched (over 85% of Tomahawks in Syria). In 1992, the system was demonstrated to be capable of interceptingScud missiles and largerocket artillery.[citation needed]
The Buk is a mobile, radar-guided surface-to-air missile (SAM) missile system with all four main components – acquisition and targeting radars, a command element, missile launchers, and a logistics element – mounted on tracked vehicles. This allows the system to move with other military forces and relocate to make it a more difficult target to find than a fixed SAM system.
The acquisition radar component (several variants have differing capabilities) allows the system to identify, track and target selected targets.
The command component is intended to discern "friendly" military aircraft from foes (IFF), prioritise multiple targets, and pass radar targeting information to the missile launchers.
The missile launcher component can carry a variety of missiles (as listed below) and may be able to engage more than one target simultaneously.
The logistics component carries additional (reload) missiles and provides other supplies and parts for the system and the operators.
In general, the system identifies potential targets (radar), selects a particular target (command), fires a missile (launcher) at the target, and resupplies the system (logistics). The missiles require a radar lock to initially steer the missile to the target until the missile's onboard radar system takes over to provide final course corrections. A proximity fuse aboard the missile determines when it will detonate, creating an expanding fragmentation pattern of missile components and warhead to intercept and destroy the target. A proximity fuse improves the "probability of kill" given the missile and target closure rates, which can be more than 3,000 km/h (1,900 mph) (or more than 900 m/s (3,000 ft/s)).
Alternatively, the command component may be able to remotely detonate the missile, or the onboard contact fuse will cause the warhead to detonate. The most capable radar, assuming it has a line of sight (no terrain between the radar and the target), can track targets (depending on size) as low as 30 m (98 ft) and as far as 140 km (87 mi). The most capable missile can hit targets as far as 50 km (31 mi) and more than 24,000 m (79,000 ft) in altitude. Since the introduction of the Buk in the 1970s, the capabilities of its system components have evolved, which has led to different nomenclature and nicknames for the components' variants. The Buk has also been adapted for use on naval vessels.
The basiccommand post of the Buk missile system is 9С510 (9K317 Buk-M2), 9S470M1-2 (9K37M1-2 Buk-M1-2) and 9S470 (Buk-M1) vehicles, organising the Buk system into a battery. It is capable of linking with various higher level command posts (HLCPs). As an option, with the use of HLCP, the Buk missile system may be controlled by an upper level command post system9S52 Polyana-D4, integrating it with S-300V/S-300VM into an air defence brigade.[22][23] Also, it may be controlled by an upper level command post system 73N6ME "Baikal-1ME" together with 1–4 units ofPPRU-M1 (PPRU-M1-2), integrating it with SA-19 "Grison" (9K22 Tunguska) (6–24 units total) into an air defence brigade, as well as SA-10/20 and SA-5 Gammon and SA-2 Guideline and SA-3 Goa and Air Force.[24][25] With the use of the mobile command centerRanzhir orRanzhir-M (GRAU designations 9S737, 9S737М) the Buk missile system allows creation of mixed groups of air defense forces, includingTor,Tunguska,Strela-10, andIgla.[26] "Senezh"[27] is another optional command post for a free mixing of any systems. In addition to mixing their potential, each of the air defense system with the aid of Senezh[28][29][30] can become part of another air defence system (missile's / radar's / targeting information). The system works automatically.[31] But for the full realisation of all functions, a Senezh-control system need various other monitoring systems for air defence and air force. Otherwise a Senezh system will work as a command centre, but not within a free association.
3S90E "Shtil" (export version ofM-22 Uragan) onINSTalwar (F40)
The 3S90 "Uragan" (Russian:Ураган;hurricane) is the naval variant of the 9K37 "Buk" and has the NATO reporting name "Gadfly" and US DoD designation SA-N-7, it also carries the designation M-22. The export version of this system is known as "Shtil" (Russian:Штиль;still). The 9М38 missiles from the 9K37 "Buk" are also used on the 3S90 "Uragan". The launch system is different with missiles being loaded vertically onto a single arm trainable launcher, this launcher is replenished from an under-deck magazine with a 24-round capacity, loading takes 12 seconds to accomplish.[11] The Uragan uses the MR-750 Top SteerD/E band as a target acquisition radar (naval analogue of the 9S18 or 9S18M1) which has a maximum detection range of 300 km (190 mi) depending on the variant. The radar performing the role of the 9S35 the 3R90 Front DomeH/I band tracking and engagement radar with a maximum range of 30 km (19 mi).The 'E' version = extended has a range of 50 to 70 km.
The Uragan underwent trials from 1974 aboard the Project 61 destroyer Provorny, prior to being introduced aboard the Project 956 Sovremenny class, with the first of class commissioned in 1980. The Uragan was officially adopted for service in 1983.[32]
The modernised version of the 3S90 is the 9K37M1-2 (or 9K317E) "Ezh", which carries the NATO reporting name "Grizzly" or SA-N-12 and the export designation "Shtil". It uses the new 9M317 missile.
In 1997, India signed a contract for the three Project 1135.6 frigates with "Shtil". Later, when the decision was made to modernise it with a new package of hardware & missiles, the name changed to "Shtil-1".
In 2004, the first demonstration module of the new 9M317M (export 9M317ME) missile was presented byDolgoprudniy Scientific and Production Plant for the upgraded 3S90M / "Shtil-1" naval missile system (jointly with'Altair'), designed primary for use on warships.
It has 2 styles of launchers, a single-rail launcher and vertical launch system. For single-rail launcher, each launcher consists of 24 missiles and a maximum of 4 launchers can be used together, while for vertical launch system, each launcher consists of 12 missiles and a maximum of 12 launchers can be used together.[33] Old systems Uragan, Ezh and Shtil could be upgraded to Shtil-1 by replacing the launcher module inside the ship. It has a range of 32 km for rail launcher 50 km for VLS launcher.
The reaction time is 10–19 seconds for single-rail launcher and 5–10 seconds for vertical launch system, and there are various differences in missile characteristics for both launcher styles.[33][34] The interval between starts is less 2 seconds. To protect against boats, helicopters, aircraft, anti-ship missiles.[35]
During theWar in Abkhazia (1992–1993), Abkhaz separatist forces had the support of Russian forces in their combat against the Georgian government. On 10 January 1993, an AbkhazAero L-39 was shot down by a Russian Buk during a friendly-fire incident.[38] The pilot, Oleg Chanba, who was commander of the Abkhaz separatist air force, was killed during the incident.[38]
Abkhaz authorities claimed that a Buk air defense system was used to shoot down four Georgian drones at the beginning of May 2008.[39]
Initial reports on Georgian Buk missile system success claimed that the system was responsible for shooting down four Russian aircraft—threeSukhoi Su-25 close air support aircraft and aTupolev Tu-22M strategic bomber—in the2008 South Ossetia war.[40] U.S. officials have said Georgian Buk-1M was certainly the cause of the Tu-22M's loss and contributed to the losses of the three Su-25s.[41] According to some analysts, the loss of four aircraft was surprising and a heavy toll for Russia given the small size of Georgia's military.[42][43] Some have also pointed out that Russianelectronic countermeasures systems were apparently unable to jam and suppress enemy SAMs in the conflict[citation needed] and that Russia was, surprisingly, unable to come up with effective countermeasures against missile systems it had designed.[40] Georgia bought these missile systems from Ukraine; there was an inquiry to determine if the purchase was illegal.[44] According toMoscow Defense Brief six and not four aircraft (Georgia maintains the higher numbers), were shot down, but Russia claims that the three Su-25s were shot down by friendly fire, while highlighting a serious issue in the coordination of Russian Air Force and its ground forces during that war.[45]
The system was used to shoot down theBoeing 777-200ERMalaysia Airlines Flight 17, on 17 July 2014, in eastern Ukraine, killing 298 people.[46][47][48]: 142–147 Evidence included missile fragments found on site including pieces of warhead stuck in the wreckage as well as non-explosive parts of the missile with serial number remnants.[49] Missile fragments were recovered from the bodies of the flight crew.[50]
On 7 August 2014, pro-Russian separatist forces shot down a Ukrainian Air ForceMikoyan MiG-29 with a Buk surface-to-air missile near the town ofYenakievo. The pilot managed to eject.[51]
On 14 April 2018, American, British, and French forceslaunched a barrage of 105 air-to-surface and cruise missiles targeting eight sites in Syria. TheRussian Ministry of Defence said that twenty-nine Buk-M2E missiles launched in response destroyed twenty-four incoming missiles.[52] TheSOHR, which is cited by many independent media organisations, reported that theSyrian Air Defense Force intercepted and shot down at least 65 missiles.[53][54] The American Department of Defense said that no missiles were shot down.[55]
On 19 July 2021, fourIsraeli Air Force F-16 fighters entered Syria's airspace via the US-controlled al-Tanf zone and fired eight guided missiles at an area southeast ofAleppo. Vadim Kulit, deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria, said that seven missiles were shot down by the Russian-madePantsyr-S and Buk-M2 systems of the Syrian Air Defense Forces.[56] Buk-M2E reportedly continued interceptions through the beginning of September.[57]
Ukraine's Soviet-era Buk andS-300 missile systems have proven effective at medium and long ranges, forcing Russian jets to fly lower and bringing them into the range ofMANPADS and short-range missile systems.[58]
Ukraine is adapting some of its Buk missile systems/launchers to acceptSea Sparrow missiles.[59] Buk missile systems have been a target ofZALA Lancet drones. Previously the Polish company Wojskowe Zakłady Uzbrojenia S.A. offered to integrate the Sea Sparrow missile into Kub launchers for export customers, demonstrating the feasibility of integrating NATO standard missiles with Soviet platforms.[60] Both the Buk missile 9M38 and Sea Sparrow aresemi-active radar guidance missiles. However, the Sea Sparrow missile is shorter in range than the 9M38 missile. There is a surplus number of these missiles in the US stockpiles. TheRIM-162 variant of the Sea Sparrow missile is still in production. A Ukrainian commander of a Buk battery has told the BBC that while his system is "target number one" for the Russians, the shortage of spare parts is more critical than missiles, even though his vehicle carried only two missiles instead of four.[61][62][63]
On 27 Feb 2022, a Ukrainian TB2 Bayraktar drone destroyed a TELAR missile and radar transporter and another TEL launcher of a Russian Buk-M1-2 SAM system near Malin, northwest of Kyiv.[64]
In 23 February 2024, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces announced that two Russian Buk-M3 air defense missile systems were destroyed.[65][66]
On 11 May 2024, a Russian drone destroyed a Ukrainian Buk-M1 missile system. The Buk-M1 system appears to have been fitted with US-madeRIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles, instead of the original 9M38 missiles.[67]
On 11 June 2024 aSwitchblade, believed to be a model -600 or improved model, struck a Russian Buk missile launcher in Sarabash (formerly Komunarivka), Donetsk. The drone had to travel more than 30 kilometres (19 mi).[68]
On 30 December 2024, TheUnmanned Systems Forces claimed to have destroyed a Russian “Buk-M1-2”, in Zaporizhzhia.[69]
The 9M38 uses a single-stage X-winged design without any detachable parts; its exterior design is similar to the AmericanTartar andStandard surface-to-air missile series. The design had to conform to strict naval dimension limitations, allowing the missile to be adapted for the M-22 SAM system in theSoviet Navy. Each missile is 5,550 mm (219 in) long, weighs 690 kg (1,520 lb) and carries a relatively large 70 kg (150 lb) warhead which is triggered by a radarproximity fuze. In the forward compartment of the missile, a semi-active homing radar head (9E50, Russian:9Э50, 9Э50М1), autopilot equipment, power source and warhead are located. The homing method chosen wasproportional navigation. Some elements of the missile were compatible with the Kub's 3M9; for example, its forward compartment diameter 330 millimetres (13 in), which was less than the rear compartment diameter. 9M38M1 contains about 8000 shrapnel elements in the warhead, of which every fourth is in the shape of a butterfly.[citation needed]
9M317 surface-to-air missile on the Buk-M2 quadruple launcher.Early Buk M1 missile in display.
The 9M38 surface-to-air missile uses a two-modesolid-fuel rocket engine with total burn time of about 15 seconds; thecombustion chamber is reinforced by metal. For the purpose of reducing the centring dispersion while in flight, the combustion chamber is located close to the centre of the missile and includes a longer gas pipe. The 9M38 is capable of readiness without inspection for at least 10 years of service. The missile is delivered to the army in the 9Ya266 (9Я266) transport container.
The 9M317 missile was developed as a common missile for the Russian Ground Force's Air Defence Forces (PVO) (usingBuk-M1-2) as well as for ship-based PVO of theRussian Navy (Ezh). Its exterior design bears a resemblance to theVympelR-37 air-to-air missile.
The unified multi-functional 9M317 (export designation 9M317E) can be used to engage aerodynamic, ballistic, above-water andradiocontrast targets from both land and sea. Examples of targets include tacticalballistic missiles, strategiccruise missiles,anti-ship missiles, tactical, strategic and army aircraft and helicopters. It was designed by OJSCDolgoprudny Scientific Production Plant (DNPP). The maximum engageable target speed was Mach 3.49[70] and it can tolerate an acceleration overload of 24G. It was first used with Buk-M1-2 system of the land forces and the Shtil-1 system of the naval forces.
In comparison with 9M38M1, the 9M317 has a larger defeat area, which is up to 45 km of range and 25 km of altitude and of lateral parameter, and a larger target classification. Externally the 9M317 differs from the 9M38M1 by a smaller wing chord. It uses the inertial correction control system with semi-active radar homing, using theproportional navigation (PN) targeting method.
The semi-active missile homing radar head (used in 9E420, Russian:9Э420) as well as 9E50M1 for the 9M38M1 missile (9E50 for 9M38) and 1SB4 for Kub missile (Russian:1СБ4) was designed byMNII Agat (Zhukovskiy) and manufactured byMMZ atIoshkar-Ola.
The 9M317 missile uses active homing when approaching the target.[71]
Currently, several modernised versions are ordered, including the 9M317M / 9M317ME,[72] andactive radar homing (ARH) missile 9M317A / 9M317MAE.
The lead developer,NIIP, reported the testing of the 9M317A missile within Buk-M1-2A"OKR Vskhod" (Sprout in English) in 2005.[73] The range is reported as being up to 50 km (31 mi), maximum altitude around 25 km (82,000 ft) and maximum target speed aroundMach 4. The weight of the missile has increased slightly to 720 kg (1587 lb).
The missile'sVskhod development program for the Buk-M1-2A was completed in 2011. This missile could increase the survival capability and firing performance of the Buk-M1-2A using its ability to hit targets over the horizon.[74]
In 2011,Dolgoprudny NPP completed preliminary trials of the new autonomous target missile systemOKR Pensne (pince-nez in English) developed from earlier missiles.[74]
The weight of the missile is 581 kg, including the 62 kgblast fragmentation warhead initiated by a dual-mode radar proximity fuze. Dimensions of the hull are 5.18 m length; 0.36 m maximum diameter. Range is 2.5–32 km in a 3S90M / "Shtil-1" naval missile system. Altitude of targets from 15 m up to 15 km (and from 10 m to 10 km against other missiles). 9M317ME missiles can be fired at 2-second intervals, while its reaction (readiness) time is up to 10 s.
The tail surfaces have a span of 0.82 m when deployed after the missile leaves the launch container by a spring mechanism. Four gas-control vanes operating in the motor efflux turn the missile towards the required direction of flight. After the turnover manoeuvre, they are no longer used and subsequent flight controlled via moving tail surfaces. A dual-mode solid-propellant rocket motor provides the missile with a maximum speed of Mach 4.5.[75]
WheeledMZKT-69225 TELAR of Buk-MB3K SAM system at Milex military exhibition, 2021
Belarus – In May on theMILEX-2005 exposition inMinsk, Belarus presented their own digital upgrade package for early models of 9K37 Buk, called Buk-MB.[101] On 26 June 2013 an exported version of Buk-MB was displayed on a military parade inBaku. It included the new 80K6M Ukrainian-build radar on an MZKT chassis (instead the old 9S18M1) and the new Russian-build missile 9M317 (as in Buk-M2).[102] Buk-MB has been sold to Azerbaijan.
HQ-16A
Iran –Ra'ad (Thunder) Medium Ranged Surface-to-Air Missile System using Ta'er 2 missiles. It has very similar layout to wheeled Buk-M2EK 9M317. It was shown during 2012 military parade.[103]
Ukraine – Soviet copies of M1 variants, designed by Artem Luch Arsenal (Kyiv) KBs and built in KhAZ (Kharkiv) and Yuzhmash (Dnipro) plants, plannedDnipro SAM system (between Buk and S-300P type).
Development of the HQ-16 began in 2005 as a joint development withRussian companyAlmaz-Antey, based on the older Buk-M1 and Buk-M2 surface-to-air missile systems.[104]
9V95M1E – mobile automatized control and test station vehicle based on aZIL-131 with a trailer
9V883, 9V884, 9V894 – repair and technical service vehicles based on Ural-43203-1012
9V881E – technical service workshop based on Ural-43203-1012
9T229 – transporter vehicle for 8 missiles or 6 containers with missiles based on aKrAZ-255Б
9T31M – auto crane
MTO-ATG-M1 – technical service workshop based on ZIL-131
Preparing to fight (inversely) – 5 min. Translation in battle mode, not for the first time in battle (after moving to another place) – no more than 20 seconds.[106]During the exercise, "Defense 92" (1992) SAM family of "Buk" conducted successful firing at targets on the basis of ballistic missileR-17 Elbrus, and on the basis of MLRS rockets "Smerch" (caliber 0.3 meters).[107]
A command post vehicle9S470M1-2 may take control over 4 batteries, each has 1 TELAR9A310M1-2 with 1 × TEL9A39M1/9A39M1-2 or 2 batteries, each has 1 target acquisition radar9S18М1-1 and 2 × TELs9A39M1
Additionally, the TELAR 9A310M1-2 may take control over theKub vehicles – just the TEL 2P25 or the self-propelled unit of reconnaissance and guidance 1S91 with a TEL 2P25. In this configuration complex can simultaneously fire two goals instead of one.[96]
6 self-propelled fire units 9A310M1-2 can perform all combat functions,[96] including identification of the state of the owner of the object detected.[106]
3 launchers (can fire, transporting and loading of other launchers) installation 9A39M1,
target detection station 9S18M1,
machine of maintenance 9V881M1-2 with caravan ZIP 9T456,
workshop of maintenance SPA-M1,
machine of repair and maintenance.
The maximum range of fire against ballistic missiles is 20 km, and the maximum target speed is 1200 m/s.[108] Its capacity of protecting against ballistic missiles is comparable with that of the PatriotPAC-2.[109] However, the engagement ceiling is lower.[106]Preparing to fight (inversely) – 5 min.[108] Translation in battle mode, not for the first time in battle (after moving to another place) – no more than 20 seconds.[106] The range for engaging targets on land is 15 km, 25 km on the water.[110]The capture distance of targets with RCS = 5 m2 – 40 km.[96] It automatically provides a high resistance to interference and work in several different combat modes, detection range of the locator of early detection 160 km.[106]
Self-propelled firing installation: 9А317 and 9А318 (towed), has everything for self-War, reaction time – 5 sec, range to 20 km (reflecting surface, 1–2 m2; height 3 km), 18–20 km (rs 1–2 m2, height 10–15 m), range of work in the system −5 to + 85 degrees for missile guidance (to search for up to 70 if alone)[70]
Installation of charging 9А317 and 9А318 or shooting teams 9С510: 9А316 and 9А320;[114]
Management tools
Command post 9С510, reaction time 2 seconds.
Radar of targets detection (all directions – 360°) 9С18М1–3, range to 160 km (1–2 m2)
Radar of illumination and guidance of missiles or radar of targets detection of range ±60° 9С36.
9S36-1 (if derrick is raised as much as possible) range to 120 km (reflecting surface 1–2 m2, height 3 km), 30–35 km (rs 1–2 m2, height 10–15 m)[93]
Translation in battle mode for the first time in battle-not more than 5 minutes, but 10–15 minutes when using derrick in which the radar of 9S36-1. Translation in battle mode, not for the first time in battle (after moving to another place) – no more than 20 seconds.[93]
The probability of hitting targets one missile is: (data from the developer and several other sources)
Aircraft of tactical aviation, 0.9–0.95
Tactical ballistic missiles, 0.6–0.7 maximum speed of ballistic targets 1200 m/s.
The minimum rs to 0.05 square meters. Day-and-night passive optical system for target detection, thermal imager with minimal radiation (9А317 and 9А318).[115] The system operates in a mountainous area without glare.[70]
The normal range of a ballistic missile to intercept with the use of Buk is up to 200 km.[116]
9A316M launcher of the Buk-M3 surface-to-air missile system
The 9K317M 'Buk-M3' (9K37M3) is the latest production version, based on new hardware.[117][118] It has 36 target channels and features advanced electronic components. Specifications include a maximum target speed of 3,000 m/s (11,000 km/h; 6,700 mph; Mach 8.8), an altitude range of 0.015–35 km (49–114,829 ft) and a distance range of 2.5–70 km (1.6–43.5 mi). Extensive trials began in 2015,[119] with the first deliveries planned for 2016.[120] (2 in 2016).[citation needed] The probability of hitting a target with one missile is: aircraft – 0.95;tactical ballistic missile – 0.7; cruise missile – 0.8. It offers increased efficiency against electronic countermeasures and manoeuvring targets.[121] They are more compact, increasing the TELAR's carrying capacity to six missiles.[citation needed] The missile's newHE-fragmentation warhead can more easily penetrate armor.[122] The complex is highly mobile and designed against air, ground and sea targets (e.g. destroyers).[123]
The missile reaches a speed of 1,550 m/s (5,600 km/h; 3,500 mph; Mach 4.6), and manoeuvres by air rudders and reactive rudders.[124] The interval between shots is one second in any direction. Targeting is by commands or active homing, or in combination. Thermal radar works on any target at any time in any weather. Russian sources claim the system can destroy theMGM-140 ATACMS, though this has never been actually attempted.[125]
Radar, guidance and target detection operates at a range of ±60° 9S36. A target at an altitude of 7–10 m can be detected at a distance of up to 35 km,[citation needed] targets like theAGM-158A "JASSM" at an altitude of 20 m, and RCS over 0.1 m2 at a distance of 17–18 km.[126] The radar sees targets at an altitude of 5 meters and in practical shooting, the system demonstrated its ability to destroy anti-ship missiles flying at that altitude.[125]
In June 2016 Almaz-Antey announced successful trials of the anti-aircraft complex. Firing atKapustin Yar in theAstrakhan region was carried out at a ballistic target, which was made by the missile-target. The first brigade set of the "Buk-M3" was delivered in 2016.[127] It is in active service.[128]
A missile uses active guidance, the system has radio and thermal guidance (any weather, day / night), the missile uses guidance 1) on commands, 2) only active homing, 3) mixed. The missile uses a directional explosion, Minimum target height 5 meters.[129]
In April 2018,Rosoboronexport announced that it would be promoting the Buk-M3 "Viking" version for export.[130] The system can be integrated with the launchers of theAntey 2500 complex, increasing its range from 65 to 130 km.[131] The "Viking" is reported to be able to operate both autonomously and in cooperation with other air defence systems, using their radar data for targeting, and have a gap of 20 seconds between stopping and launching missiles.[132] The probability of intercept is reported to be close to 100%.[133] The complex is also reported to be effective against tactical ballistic missiles.[134]
Egypt – more than 40 Buk-M1-2 and Buk-M2E, as of 2023 9K37M1-2 Buk-M1-2 air defense system and 100 9M317 delivered in 2007 from Russia , another 9K317 Buk-M2 air defense system was delivered (or upgraded from the previously supplied Buk-M1-2 air defense system) from Russia in 2014 and Cairo has requested Buk-M3 missiles from Moscow.[140][141]
People's Republic of China[148] – Improved variant as theHQ-16, a navalized VLS system. Joint People's Republic of China/Russian project to upgrade the naval 9K37M1-2 system 'Shtil' (SA-N-12).
Russia – more than 440 9К37 and 9К317 as of 2016 (350 in land forces and 80 in air force).[149][150][151][152] Replacement of the 9К37 complex with the newer 9К317 Buk M2 is planned to be completed by 70% or more by 2020.[153][154] 1 battalion of Buk-M3 was delivered in 2016.[citation needed] 66 Buk-M-1-2s, 36 M2s and 36 M3s were delivered in 2012–2017.[155] As of December 2017, 3 missile brigades are fully equipped with Buk-M3.[citation needed] 7 Buk-M3 brigade sets on order as of early 2020.[156] (seeList of equipment of the Russian Ground Forces) Deliveries reportedly continue as of late 2023.[157]
Ukraine[158] – 72 9K37M1 as of 2016.[159] Modernisation of stored systems to Buk M1-2 standard planned.[160]
Finland – In 1996 Finland started operating the missile systems that they received from Russia as debt payment.[162] Due to concerns about susceptibility to electronic warfare, Finland has replaced the missile system withNASAMS 2.[163][164][165] Finland still does use this, mainly in storage. Still ready for wartime use and are all in "operational condition".[166]
Ba'athist Syria[167] 8 complexes 9К317E Buk-M2E delivered fromRussian Federation in 2011 (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute – Arms Transfers Database) for Land Forces + 10/8[168] Buk-M2E for Air Defence.[169] + 20 Buk-M1-2s.[170]
Before 1990, 9K37M1E "Ganga" launchers were supposed to enter the armies of theWarsaw Pact, but did not enter their armaments because they ceased to exist.[172]
^abcd"M-22 Uragan (SA-N-7 Gadfly)".Vestnik PVO (pvo.guns.ru) (in Russian). 17 November 2004.Archived from the original on 5 November 2008. Retrieved17 November 2008.
^"Bodies of MH17 victims 'contain missile fragments', SBU says".Ukraine Today. 19 December 2014.Archived from the original on 20 December 2014. Retrieved7 February 2015.Some of the bodies of the passengers of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, which crashed in Donetsk on July 17, contain metal fragments that indicate the plane was shot down by a surface-to-air missile, Ukraine's SBU security service said on Friday
^Zudin, Alexander (9 April 2018)."Russia offers Buk-M3 for export".Jane's Information Group. Archived fromthe original on 11 April 2018. Retrieved14 April 2018.Russian state arms export corporation Rosoboronexport says it has begun promoting the latest M3 variant of the Buk medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system for export.