Ukrainian £400 drone dismantles Russian £80m air defence system

The Ukrainian SBS (Unmanned Systems Forces) and the official Ukrainian Ministry of Defence profile on the X platform shared a brief video depicting the successful attack on this Russian anti-aircraft system. As explained, a "bomb drone" valued at approximately £400 was utilised in the night-time attack. This was deliberately highlighted, as the cost of a complete Russian Buk-M3 system can reach up to £80 million (the particular component hit here costs several tens of millions of pounds).

According to a statement from the Ukrainian SBS, their operators successfully identified and destroyed a Buk-M3 medium-range anti-aircraft missile system launcher. This incident highlights the efficiency of modern technology, as ammunition costing just $500 was able to take out a critical element of the enemy’s air defence system, valued at approximately $100 million when fully configured.

The location of the event was not disclosed, but it was reported that Russian equipment was hit about 60 km from the front line. This is quite unusual, as drones dropping ammunition do not typically operate at that range.

In this instance, the Ukrainians have emphasised the contrast between the costs of the equipment used and destroyed. However, the loss of any Buk-M3 system is significant for the Russians, and the circumstances are merely ancillary. They possess a relatively limited stock of this equipment.

The Buk-M3 began entering service with the Russian army in 2016 and remains among the more modern weapons of its kind in its arsenal. This system's radar can detect targets from a distance of up to 160 km. The range of the associated launchers extends up to 70 km in terms of distance and up to approximately 30 km in terms of altitude at which targets can be engaged. Each launcher has six missile units (with warheads weighing around 65 kg). The launchers are mounted on a tracked chassis.