Ukrainian Drone Strike: 3rd Army Corps Confirms Hit on $45M Buk-M3

The 3rd Army Corps released video footage on Wednesday confirming a strike drone hit a Russian Buk-M3 anti-aircraft missile system. The unit identified the target as a state-of-the-art asset valued at approximately 45 million US dollars.

The engagement occurred during the Vivaldi offensive operation. According to the 3rd Army Corps, the drone was piloted by a member of the Muramasa unit, part of the 21st Kraken Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment. The video captures the pilots spotting the Buk-M3 while it moved along a road alongside other military vehicles before delivering the strike.

The Buk-M3 is a multifunctional medium-range system designed to intercept aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones. Russian forces use it to shield troops and infrastructure from airborne threats. The system features a multifunctional radar and carries six missiles. It has a claimed engagement altitude of up to 35 kilometers and a range of up to 70 kilometers. Its missiles can target objects moving at speeds up to three kilometers per second.

The 3rd Army Corps noted that the Buk-M3 is among the most advanced air defense platforms in the Russian inventory. By destroying one such system, Ukrainian forces remove a key layer of protection for Russian ground units. A spokesperson for the unit stated that the loss means the enemy has fewer opportunities to protect its forces on the battlefield.

This strike follows recent actions by the 3rd Assault Brigade, which used Hornet kamikaze drones to destroy a Russian Mi-8 helicopter. The release of the Buk-M3 footage underscores the continued role of unmanned systems in targeting high-value Russian air defense assets.