russian Buk-M2 air defense system that initially appeared to have survived Ukrainian strike ultimately burned out completely on the battlefield, according to newly released footage from the Chornyi Lis 15th Brigade.
The brigade published drone footage showing the moment Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance operators detected russian surface-to-air missile launcher concealed in the field. After confirming the target, Ukrainian forces launched a precision strike while the reconnaissance drone remained overhead to assess the aftermath.
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At first glance, the damage seemed limited. Early footage suggested the Buk-M2 launcher may have only been disabled or partially damaged, leaving uncertainty about whether the expensive air defense asset could still be recovered or repaired by russian forces.
However, the surveillance drone continued monitoring the vehicle, and the situation quickly deteriorated for the russian crew. Flames eventually engulfed the launcher, and the entire system was consumed by fire. By the end of the recording, the Buk-M2 system had been completely destroyed.
The brigade mocked the outcome in its official commentary, saying russian Buk-M2 system had "burned out under the Donbas sun", highlighting both the symbolic and operational loss for Moscow's air defense network.
The Buk-M2 remains one of russia's core medium-range air defense systems. Designed to engage aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones, the system plays a critical role in protecting russian troops and infrastructure from aerial threats on the battlefield.
As Defense Express previously reported, footage from the Liut Brigade shows a ground robotic platform actively engaging and destroying russian waiting drone during an ambush attempt.
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