Russia Ramping Up Production of Buk-M3 Medium-Range Air and Missile Defense Systems

The Buk medium-range surface-to-air missile system, also known as Viking, is designated to intercept all types of cruise missiles and aerodynamic targets. According to some reports, like one from the Russian state agency TASS, the Buk-M3 launcher carries 12 missiles while the self-propelled fire unit is armed with six missiles. As compared to their previous versions, the new anti-aircraft missile systems feature the chassis’ increased capacity to carry a larger number of missiles, an improved control system and the crew’s enhanced anti-blast protection.