“BUK-M3 Viking” Air Defense System Capable of Detecting and Destroying F-35 and F-22 Raptors

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – In a recent statement issued by Russia’s arms agency, Rosoboronexport, it was claimed that the BUK-M3 Viking air defense system (NATO Codename SA-27 Gullum) is capable of countering a wide range of threats.

These include fifth-generation stealth fighter jets such as the F-35 and F-22 Raptor, in addition to ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, smart bombs, and helicopters.

The BUK-M3 Viking, the latest variant of the renowned BUK air defense system, boasts a maximum engagement range of 65 km and an altitude ceiling of 25 km.

Its extended range of 65 km ensures the system can protect fixed defensive positions and high-value mobile assets, offering multi-layered defense capabilities.

Additionally, the Russian-made air defense system can intercept tactical ballistic missiles at distances of up to 50 km, providing crucial protection against short-range missile threats targeting critical infrastructure or military objectives.

In terms of altitude, the BUK-M3 Viking can engage a broad spectrum of threats, from as low as 10 meters (such as cruise missiles, drones, or helicopters) to as high as 25 km.

BRIEF:

Russia’s Rosoboronexport claims its BUK-M3 Viking air defense system (NATO Codename SA-27 Gullum) can counter diverse threats, including fifth-generation stealth fighters like the F-35 and F-22 Raptor, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, smart bombs, and helicopters.

With a maximum engagement range of 65 km and an altitude ceiling of 25 km, the BUK-M3 Viking offers robust, multi-layered protection for both fixed positions and mobile assets. It can intercept tactical ballistic missiles up to 50 km away, safeguarding critical infrastructure and military targets.

The system’s versatility lies in its ability to engage threats across varying altitudes, from low-flying drones and cruise missiles at 10 meters to high-altitude bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. Equipped with advanced electronics, jamming-resistant missiles, and tele-thermal imaging technology, the BUK-M3 Viking can track and target up to 36 threats simultaneously, including land and sea-based targets.

Introduced into the Russian military in 2016, the BUK-M3 Viking, developed by Almaz-Antey, also integrates seamlessly with other defense systems like the Antey-2500. India has prior experience with the BUK series, employing the Shtil-1 naval variant on its warships.

This enables the system to defend against threats ranging from low-altitude, high-speed targets to high-altitude, low-speed threats like bombers and reconnaissance platforms.

The system’s ability to track and intercept targets across varying altitude levels makes the BUK-M3 Viking an exceptionally versatile air defense solution.

Developed by Almaz-Antey, the BUK-M3 Viking represents the latest iteration in the medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) series, featuring upgraded electronics, jamming-resistant missiles, and a tele-thermal imaging target tracker.

It is capable of detecting and engaging up to 36 targets simultaneously, including those on land and at sea. At its core lies the 9A317M launcher, equipped with six ready-to-launch 9M317M missiles.

These missiles employ Active Radar Homing technology and advanced guidance systems for enhanced precision and simultaneous multi-target engagement.

The BUK-M3 air defense system was first introduced into the Russian military in 2016, with the “Viking” designation for export purposes.

It can also integrate with other Almaz-Antey systems, including the Antey-2500.

India has prior experience with the BUK air defense series, utilizing the Shtil-1 naval variant aboard its warships. – DSA