The first batch of the latest Buk-M3 Viking air defense launchers was supplied to the Central Military District, the Defense Ministry said.

Buk-M3 air defense system (Picture source: Army Recognition)

"The new hardware will reinforce the antiaircraft brigade of the 41st combined arms army deployed in Altai. The rearmament with the latest weapons will increase the combat capabilities of the brigade to defend ground forces and important facilities from air attacks by a third," it said. The personnel will be retrained to operate the new Buk in Orenburg regional center.

Buk-M3 medium-range air defense system is designed to destroy all types of flying craft in all engagement ranges, radiocontrast ground targets and surface targets in conditions of intensive fire and electronic counteraction. It exceeds by some parameters, including kill probability, S-300 air defense complex. Its range of 70 km exceeds previous variants by 25 km. Its maximum fire altitude is 35 km. Buk-M3 can destroy ballistic missiles with a launch distance of 150-200 km.