In a precision strike conducted on an undisclosed operational axis, the Ballista unit of the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces successfully destroyed russian BUK-M3 surface-to-air missile system along with its entire munitions load, as well as the Uragan-1 multiple launch rocket system.
The downing of these high-value targets was executed using armed unmanned aerial vehicles following a rapid reconnaissance operation.
Read more: First Detailed Video of Ukraine Using S-200 Missile, Credited For Tu-22M3, A-50 Downings
#Ukraine’s SOF destroyed advanced russian Buk-M3 missile system and Uragan-1 Uragan-1 multicaliber 220/300mm MLRS using loitering munitions. Special operators spotted both advanced pieces of russian military hardware during a special reconnaissance mission. pic.twitter.com/Qnv7IyBZQg— SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES OF UKRAINE (@SOF_UKR) May 13, 2025
During the mission, the reconnaissance teams identified the BUK-M3, one of the russian military's cornerstone medium-range air defense assets, capable of engaging aerial, ground, and surface targets, and the Uragan-1 launcher deployed on combat watch.
Within minutes of target confirmation, the Ballista operators launched their strike drones, achieving direct hits on both systems. The BUK-M3 system, estimated at approximately $45 million including its ammunition, was completely obliterated, severely impacting enemy air defense coverage in the sector.
The destruction of the Uragan-1 MLRS further degrades russian forces' ability to deliver concentrated rocket barrages against Ukrainian positions. This operation underscores the growing effectiveness of the drone-based strike tactics and the high degree of coordination between reconnaissance and kinetic teams. By leveraging real-time intelligence and precision UAVs, Ukrainian special operators continue to challenge and degrade key elements of russia's layered defense and firepower networks.
The elimination of the BUK-M3 system not only imposes a substantial financial loss on the adversary but also creates safer corridors for Ukrainian air and ground operations. As drone-launched missile strikes become more widespread, the russian military may be forced to disperse high-value air defense assets or allocate greater resources to counter-UAV measures, further stretching its logistical and operational capacities.
As Defense Express previously reported, on May 12, the Rarog 427th Unmanned Systems Regiment released video footage documenting successful neutralization of russian Garmon radar station, an advanced ground-based system purportedly capable of tracking over 30 air targets simultaneously and identifying their origin.
In a textbook demonstration of precision drone warfare, single Ukrainian kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicle penetrated the radar's defenses and inflicted a direct hit, rendering the site inoperable
Read more: Scorpion Precision Strike: Ukrainian Forces Destroy Ammo Depots and Communications near Vovchansk, Kharkiv Region (Video)
