Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces (SSO) from the “Balista” unit have reportedly destroyed another Russian Buk-M3 surface-to-air missile system and a Uragan-1 multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) using precision drone strikes during a recent combat operation, according to official statements and video footage released by the Ukrainian military.
The operation, confirmed by the SSO via Telegram and Facebook and reported by multiple Ukrainian media organizations, was carried out during a special reconnaissance mission in an undisclosed location.
The SSO released video evidence showing successful drone strikes against both Russian assets, resulting in secondary explosions, large fireballs, and heavy smoke.
#Ukraine’s SOF destroyed advanced russian Buk-M3 missile system and Uragan-1 Uragan-1 multicaliber 220/300mm MLRS using loitering munitions. Special operators spotted both advanced pieces of russian military hardware during a special reconnaissance mission. pic.twitter.com/Qnv7IyBZQg
— SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES OF UKRAINE (@SOF_UKR) May 13, 2025
According to a report from Militarnyi, the Buk-M3 system was positioned to provide air defense for the nearby Uragan launcher. The SSO facebook post also noted that the system was providing cover for a group of troops on the ground.
According to the release, operators utilized a loitering munition to first target the Buk-M3, destroying it and triggering the detonation of its ammunition. This cleared the way for subsequent strikes against the Uragan-1, which was engaged with additional drones and likely a HIMARS-guided rocket.
According to a translated statement from Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces, “The Buk-M3 is one of the enemy’s key air defense systems, used to engage targets in the air, on the ground, and at sea” The Buk-M3 is among Russia’s most modern mobile SAM platforms, with engagement ranges up to 44 miles and altitudes of 22 miles. Its estimated value is approximately $45 million.
1/ Several stills from a recent Russian MoD video showing a Buk-M3 SAM system’s 9A317M transporter-erector-launcher and radar (TELAR) vehicle. It is seen equipped with a pair of container-launchers (seemingly designated 9Ya290), each of which houses a single 9M317M SAM. pic.twitter.com/UxquwtwHue
— Guy Plopsky (@GuyPlopsky) February 3, 2025
The accompanying Uragan-1 system, built on a BAZ-69092 truck chassis with an armored cab, is a rare, modernized variant only introduced by Russian forces in late 2023.
Uragan system operating in the Ugledar region pic.twitter.com/X1BboBMQ8Z
— American Vatnik🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺 (@AmericanVatnik) December 28, 2023
It features 12 launch tubes for 220 mm rockets and upgraded navigation systems. The system is part of a limited inventory within Russian artillery units, many of which continue to rely on older Soviet-era variants mounted on ZIL-135 chassis.
