Minsk-based defense contractor E-System Solutions has revealed a scale model of its latest Buk surface-to-air missile system, designated Buk-MB2K, at a military equipment convention in Jakarta, Indonesia. This new iteration of the missile system is being actively marketed to Asian countries, particularly for the purpose of addressing maritime threats, according to a report from Army Recognition.
The Buk-MB2K had its first public exhibition in Southeast Asia following its official launch at an arms fair in Minsk earlier this year and a prototype display in Azerbaijan in 2022. This introduction is part of a broader effort by Belarusian authorities to enhance their domestic missile production capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign technology. Recently, the weapon has been incorporated into the Belarusian Armed Forces, aligned with President Alexander Lukashenko’s objectives to bolster national defense.
In late 2024, Belarus conducted live testing of the Buk-MB2K system near its border with Ukraine as it continues to align closely with Russia amid the ongoing conflict with Kyiv. This strategic partnership further emphasizes Belarus’s commitment to supporting Moscow’s military endeavors.
The Buk-MB2K system features the 9A310MB2K self-propelled launcher, which is built to accommodate the Belarusian-manufactured 9M318 next-generation missile along with its predecessor variants. The launcher has a weight of 815 kilograms (1,797 pounds), is capable of exceeding speeds of Mach 4, and can operate at altitudes up to 25,000 meters (82,021 feet), with an effective range of 70 kilometers (43 miles).
Complementing the launcher, the Buk-MB2K is transported by the 9A39MB2K wheeled transporter, which boasts a 500-horsepower diesel engine, providing a cruising speed of 60 kilometers (37 miles) and an operational range of 700 kilometers (435 miles). Furthermore, the system includes the 9S470MB2K command and control unit alongside the 9S150MB radar, demonstrating advanced connectivity capabilities. While the standard radio-cable reach extends up to 10 kilometers (6 miles), this can be enhanced to 120 kilometers (75 miles) using optical fiber lines.
Overall, the Buk-MB2K system is designed to detect and monitor targets traveling at speeds of approximately 1,350 meters per second (3,020 miles per hour) with a detection range that can extend up to 200 kilometers (124 miles), depending on the radar used. This advanced capability positions the Buk-MB2K as a significant contender in the air defense landscape, amid evolving regional security challenges.
