The 9A317M self-propelled launchers (SPU) of the Buk-M3 anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM) in service with the Russian Armed Forces are capable of intercepting M30/31A1 GMLRS projectiles of HIMARS systems, ATACMS Block IA missiles, as well as GBU-39/B gliding guided aerial bombs. This is according to military expert Yevgeny Damantsev.
According to him, the SPUs are equipped with six-channel PFAR 9S36M illumination radars. They engage targets with highly maneuverable 9M317M anti-aircraft guided missiles (SAM).
One battery has 36 target channels (6 per SPU), which will allow it to repel massive strikes by AGM-88B missiles deployed on the hardpoints of American F-16AM aircraft.
Damantsev called the equipping of transport and launch containers with 9M317M missiles with "visors" to protect against FPV drones a special feature of the complex. The Buk-M3 remains one of the most effective SAM systems in the world due to the number of channels of its PFAR illumination radars, the expert concluded.
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