Air defense fighters of the "Center" group of forces hit dangerous targets with new weapons
The "Center" military group units have received new "Buk-M3" air defense systems, which have already proven their effectiveness in combat. Compared to their predecessors, they are equipped with more advanced electronics and carry more anti-aircraft missiles, which allows them to repel massive combined raids. ""Izvestia" correspondent visited the front line and saw how the calculations of the new "Buks" hit particularly dangerous targets and evaded retaliatory strikes.
New technology and new features
The commander of the "Buk-M3" crew, Lieutenant Anton Medzhidov, proudly shows his new combat vehicle.
— It copes with its tasks by 150%. There are no problems with reliability — all components and assemblies work like clockwork," he slaps his hand on the steel side of the installation and smiles.
Anton Medzhidov
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan
Anton used to work for "Buk-M2" and can easily compare the new car with the complex of the previous generation. According to our interlocutor, "M3" has significantly increased its ability to find and track targets. It is also important that the new rocket has become much better.
— In general, the changes have affected all parts of the complex, — says Anton.
He notes that missiles of the previous generation are suitable for the new complex — such compatibility of ammunition is very important. Our air defense system is shooting down almost everything, and the enemy is now trying to overcome anti-aircraft defenses, using the tactics of "overloading", that is, using a large number of aircraft.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces hope that our calculations will spend a lot of ammunition on them, which will allow them to carry out an effective attack. In such conditions, the commander notes, it's nice to have a supply of ammunition.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan
Image source: iz.ru
Medzhidov says that the upgraded complex sees all types of targets used by the enemy.
"This is the merit of the designers, who knew in advance the approximate characteristics of the future Western weapons and incorporated the possibility of their defeat into the complex," explains Anton.
Our interlocutor has been in the SVO zone since 2022. He began his combat career as a support platoon commander. In 2025, when the position appeared, the division command, appreciating his good work, awarded him the first officer rank.
So Anton became the commander of a combat vehicle. On large anti-aircraft missile systems such as "Buk", this position is an officer, not a sergeant, as in tank or artillery units.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan
Image source: iz.ru
Anton and his combat crew have already shot down four Western-made guided gliding bombs on the new installation.
The goal is not simple, but it is quite achievable, "of moderate severity," he says.
"The bombs are small,— Medzhidov explains. — We can clearly see a large plane due to its size, it is more difficult with a bomb. But they won't leave us anyway.
"Izvestia" reference
"Buk-M3" anti—aircraft missile system (SAM) is an air defense system of the army air defense forces. It was developed by V.V. Tikhomirov Scientific Research Institute of Instrument Engineering. The first "Buk-M3" division was delivered to the Russian Armed Forces in October 2016.
The composition of the complex:
— Command post — provides simultaneous operation on 36 targets;
— detection and targeting station;
— illumination and guidance radar;
— self—propelled firing system - carries six missiles on a lifting ramp with a multifunctional radar;
— the launcher carries 12 9M317M missiles in transport and launch containers on a lifting ramp.
Number of simultaneously fired targets per SAM division: 36;
Range: 2.5 – 70 km;
Target height: 15 – 35,000 m;
Maximum target speed: up to 3000 m/s.
Undercover work
The large "Buka" tracked launcher requires protection from small drones that hunt for important targets. To do this, a mobile firing group (MOG) with machine guns is on duty next to him, and the routes to the firing positions are covered by air surveillance points of neighboring units and additional anti-aircraft gunners.
Alexey Buyanov, commander of the UAV counteraction unit, shows his car with a machine-gun turret in the back. There is a Degtyarev light machine gun on the RPD machine.
— Tank machine guns don't have their own sights, but on the RPD, here it is — with side corrections. We put him out there, it's easier to work with him: you get ahead of the mark. Like Kalashnikov, he works accurately and efficiently," says Alexey.
Alexey Buyanov
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan
Mobile groups accompany the vehicle from the moment it leaves the shelter and then take up a position near the launcher. But, unlike similar groups that guard facilities and roads, our group has its own specifics.
— We immediately report the targets in the air. After listening, the commander gives us the command to either work or continue monitoring," he says.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan
Image source: iz.ru
It is impossible to fire in some cases. If the enemy notices the war machine, then the mass of the attack may be such that the Mogs will not do anything.
"When the Buk is fully loaded with missiles, it's better not to take that risk," Alexey explains.
Our interlocutor came to the SVO zone two years ago, having signed a contract during his military service. He started his career as an anti-aircraft gunner and became a squad commander in combat conditions.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Astrakhan
Image source: iz.ru
""The arrival of the new Buk-M3 air defense systems in the "Center" group of forces has become a qualitative leap in strengthening air defense. A significant increase in the ammunition on the launcher and the possibility of simultaneous firing at up to 36 targets make the complex an important tool for countering enemy tactics of "overloading", depriving the Ukrainian Armed Forces of hope to deplete our ammunition reserves before a decisive strike.
Dmitry Astrakhan
