Precision strikes: Ukraine's tactical edge over Russian air defenses
The Ukrainians are methodically attempting to reduce the number of key self-propelled anti-aircraft systems. They use GMLRS rockets supplied by the US for this purpose. Here, we showcase their performance.
Self-propelled anti-aircraft systems, due to their function, limited numbers, and difficulty in replacement, are crucial targets for both Ukrainians and Russians. Therefore, each detected unit is worth engaging with the best available weapon at the time.
For the Ukrainians, this includes using M142 HIMARS or M270 MLRS launchers equipped with GMLRS rockets, allowing for precise target elimination at distances of up to 80 kilometres. To achieve this, the batteries maintain constant contact with operators of long-range reconnaissance drones which enables observation of Russian territory even several tens of kilometres from the front line.
When significant targets are detected, a missile attack is launched using one or several rockets, depending on the presence of electronic warfare systems capable of jamming GPS signals, which negatively affects accuracy. Below, you can see a hit on a Buk, whose missiles ignited shortly afterwards.
Buk System — a very important system for the Russians
The Buk-M system was introduced into service in the USSR in the late 1980s, but it has undergone many upgrades over the years. 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 an anti-aircraft and anti-ballistic shield, initially with a range of up to 40 kilometres for targets like aeroplanes or cruise missiles, and for ballistic missiles at distances of less than 19 kilometres. For the Buk-M3, these values increased to 69 kilometres for regular targets, and its performance against ballistic missiles has likely been improved as well.
Despite these capabilities, the targeted Buk was unable to protect itself from a GMLRS rocket attack, which most likely came from the side or rear, outside the radar's field of view.
GMLRS Rocket — a weapon that Russians hate from the USA
A GMLRS rocket struck the Buk, which, despite the poor quality of the recording, appears to be the M30A1 variant produced since 2015, dispersing 182,000 tungsten balls over the area. This is evidenced 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) detonating 10 metres above the ground, was designed as an alternative to controversial cluster munitions. With the AW warhead, there is still an area effect, but it does not create unexploded ordnance, which can be dangerous even decades after the conflict. Meanwhile, the tungsten balls possess enough energy to penetrate bulletproof vests or, for instance, rocket bodies or tankers.
