Russia’s Buk air defense system can detect and destroy Flamingo and Storm Shadow cruise missiles once they enter its engagement zone, according to Dmitry Konovalov, deputy commander of a Buk battery crew in an air defense missile unit of the Center group of forces.

Konovalov said the system is capable of tracking both types of cruise missiles and engaging them when they come within range.

The crew has also recently been intercepting HIMARS rockets. In addition, the servicemen track carriers of guided aerial bombs and monitor the directions from which those weapons are employed.

During one combat episode in the DPR, the Buk crew destroyed two HIMARS rockets. Konovalov said two missiles were launched from the air defense system in succession, with both targets hit.

The Buk crew operates alongside other air defense assets. Targets can be detected in either automatic or manual mode. The unit normally follows a set combat schedule but can also be deployed separately on the order of the battalion commander.