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Buk-M1 vs 2K12 Kub: how to tell them apart

Two air defence systems that are easy to mix up at a glance. Here is what tells them apart.

Buk-M1, air defence system from Soviet Union

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

Photo: VoidWanderer, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
2K12 Kub, air defence system from Soviet Union

2K12 Kub

Air defence system, Soviet Union. In service since 1967

What gives it away

Tracked launcher with three large missiles side by side on a rotating mount.

Used by

Russia, Ukraine, Poland and many others

Photo: Villarreal9, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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