Ukrainian operators of Lasar's Group released video footage of the engagement. What makes this strike particularly notable is the delivery method: the drone landed directly on the 9A316 launch and load vehicle for the Buk-M2 air defense system.
Once on the 9A316, the drone was carried approximately 15 kilometers, likely toward the launcher's firing position, maintaining constant contact with its operators and probably transmitting coordinates. Upon arrival, the occupiers initially did not notice their new "passenger."
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Eventually, a vigilant serviceman spotted the drone and summoned his comrades, who took photos of it and even attempted to prod the device with a stick. The Lasar's Group team marked the occasion with what they described as a "firework" — an explosion that, while not captured on the released video, is visible in subsequent footage as the panicked personnel scatter.
Judging by the clips, at least two drones were involved, and it is likely that one detonated on another vehicle. Another possibility is that a strike by an attack drone or artillery/rocket round occurred simultaneously.
The exact model of the "hitched" drone has not been confirmed. From the footage, it appears to be a relatively small airframe equipped with artificial intelligence that synchronizes its motion with the target for landing — indicated by the on-screen SYNC marker.
Interestingly, as noted above, the drone landed on the launch and load vehicle for the Buk-M2 air defense system. However, in the video, a launcher vehicle can be seen driving ahead of it. Identifying this vehicle is difficult; some sources suggest it is a 9A317M from a Buk‑M3 system. This is somewhat unusual, as the 9A316 launch and load cannot service a Buk‑M3 launcher.
At the same time, the 9A317M of the Buk‑M3 system has an additional radar unit, clearly visible in the video, which is absent on the 9A317 self‑propelled firing vehicle of the Buk‑M2.
It is possible that vehicles of both Buk‑M2 and Buk‑M3 variants were operating within the same unit, effectively forming a single integrated combat element. It should also be noted that the 9A316 can both reload and, in some configurations, fire.
This is not the first time Lasar's Group has landed drones on air-defense systems, but it is arguably their most dramatic demonstration to date.
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