The Russian BUK-M1 (NATO code name SA-11 GADFLY ) surface-to-air medium-range missile system is designed to engage aerial targets, including aircraft, cruise missiles, helicopters as well as short range ballistic missiles (Lance missiles can be intercepted at a range of 20 km and altitude of 16 km).
It can also “home on jam”, in response to enemy jammers, as well as defeat incoming HARM anti-radiation missiles. The missile offers better maneuverability and improved capability compared with the earlier generation SA-6 which was combat proven during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. Fully deployed the BUK M1 system can simultaneously engage up to six targets from any direction.
A BUK M1 combat unit comprised of up to 72 missiles deploys into firing position in five minutes. The unit includes target acquisition radar, the 54K6E Command Post, up to six 9A310M1 Self-propelled AD Vehicle self-propelled transporter launcher vehicles carrying the 9M317 surface-to-air guided missiles, and up to six 9A39M1 loader-launchers. The BUK M1 is currently deployed with the Indian Army. The BUK M1 (SA-11) can engage aircraft targets flying at a maximum speed of 1,200 meters/sec. at ranges of 3 – 42 km, at an altitude of 150 to 25,000 meters.
The ground based Buk M-1/2 ADMS is mounted on tracked vehicles for mobility and is designed for protecting mobile and stationary assets from a wide variety of air attacks. Each one can engage up to six targets attacking from any direction. The BUK M-1/2 consists of several elements including six Self Propelled Missile Carriers (9A310M1 / 2) carrying four missiles each, a 9C18M1 Target Acquisition Radar (TAR), a 9C470M1-2 Command Post (CP) vehicle and a 9A39M1 launcher/loader (LL). A Polyana D4M1 can control up to four of these systems.
