Buk-M1 vs Buk-M3: how to tell them apart

Two versions of the same family. Name the wrong one in Spotrep and you still get family points, but the exact model scores most.

Buk-M1

Air defence system, Soviet Union. In service since 1983

What gives it away

Tracked launcher with four large missiles on an open rail turret and a small radar at the front.

Used by

Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and others

Buk-M3

Air defence system, Russia. In service since 2016

What gives it away

Tracked chassis with seven road wheels and a launcher with six missiles in closed tubes, where the older Buk shows four bare missiles on rails.

Used by

Russia

Buk-M1 · Buk-M3 · All guides