Wed Sep 25 08:27:52 UTC 2024: ## Ukrainian Forces Destroy Russian Buk-M3 Air Defense System in Kursk Region
**Kiev, Ukraine** – Ukrainian forces have successfully destroyed a Russian Buk-M3 air defense system in the Kursk region, according to the Ukrainian government. The destruction of the advanced system comes amidst ongoing battles in the area, nearly two months after Ukraine launched its surprise incursion.
The Ukrainian government, in a post on X, formerly Twitter, claimed that the Buk-M3 system had malfunctioned, allowing Ukrainian forces to target and destroy it. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry did not specify the time or location of the attack, but footage of the strike was shared online, which the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has geolocated to a site east of the Kursk city of Rylsk.
The 413th Separate Unmanned Systems Battalion, which Ukraine says is operating in the Kursk region, also claimed responsibility for the attack on Telegram, sharing the same footage. The battalion stated that they targeted the Buk-M3 surface-to-air missile system in the southern Russian Kursk region.
The Buk-M3 is a medium-range air defense system touted by Russia as a major advancement in its air defense capabilities. The system is designed to intercept air targets, precision-guided munitions, and tactical ballistic missiles, with a range of up to 65 kilometers (40 miles).
Ukraine began its incursion into the Kursk region in early September, claiming to have captured several settlements and territory. However, Russia launched a counteroffensive, retaking several settlements along the border. Fighting continues in the area, with both sides claiming gains.
The ISW reported that Ukrainian forces have recently advanced around the settlement of Glushkovo, while Russia claimed to have repelled Ukrainian attacks in several other locations.
Newsweek has reached out to the Russian Defense Ministry for comment.
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