Buk M3 Medium-range Air Defense Missile System, Russia

The Buk M3 (Russian: "Бук"; “beech” (tree), /bʊk/) is a brand new Russian air defense system, modernized version of the Buk-M2 system, features advanced electronic components and a deadly new missile and could be regarded as a completely new system. The system is designed, developed and manufactured by the Russian Defense Company Almaz-Antey. The Buk-M3 system boasts a new digital computer, high-speed data exchange system and a tele-thermal imaging target designator instead of the tele-optical trackers used in previous models. A battery of Buk-M3 missiles can track and engage up to 36 targets simultaneously, while its advanced 9R31M missile is capable of knocking down all existing flying objects, including highly maneuverable ones, even during active electronic jamming. It outperforms even the old S-300P long-range air defense system.

Development of the Buk M3 began back in 1990. Development process was plagued with delays. This new air defense system has already been tested by the Russian armed forces. It is scheduled for production. The Buk M3 could be adopted in 2015 or 2016. Russian military officials state, that first operational Buk M3 systems will be delivered to the Russian Army in 2016. It is planned that it will replace the older Buk M1 systems.
The Buk-3M’s target-destruction probability has reached 0.9999 and its maximum destruction range has been increased by 25 kilometers and now stands at 70 kilometers. The Buk-M3 is able to destroy any types of air targets from a range of 2.5 to 70 km, with a speed of 3,000 m/s at an altitude from 15 m to 35 km. The Buk-M3 missile has been optimized for the interception of low-flying cruise missiles but can also engage ground and sea targets. The missile system also includes a new digital computer, high speed data exchange system and a thermal target imaging designator replacing optical trackers on previous Buk models. The 9R31M missile is fitted with high-explosive fragmentation warhead. 
A Buk-M3 missile battery consists of two TELAR 9A317M (Transporter Erector LAuncher and Radar) and one TEL 9A316M (Transporter Erector Launcher) vehicle. The TELAR is based on the GM-569 tracked armoured chassis, carries six ready to fire missiles mounted on a turntable that can traverse a full 360°. This vehicle is powered by a diesel engine. It seems that it develops 840 hp. However some sources report that production version will be based on a new GM-5969 tracked chassis with 7 roadwheels. It takes about 5 minutes to prepare vehicle for launch from traveling. The turret of the Buk-M3 TELAR includes fire control radar at the front and a launcher with six ready-to-fire missiles on top. The TEL uses the same tracked chassis as the TELAR Buk-M3 but the turret is fitted with two blocks of six missiles. 
Normally the Buk M3 TELAR operates as part of an air defense unit. A battery of Buk M3 TELARs and TELs is controlled by an automated control system. There is also a command post vehicle, detection and target designation radar, and reloading vehicles. A battery of the Buk M3 can engage up to 36 air targets simultaneously. However if required each TELAR vehicle can operate autonomously.
Reloading vehicle of the Buk M3 will be based on a BAZ 8x8 wheeled chassis. This vehicle has good cross-country mobility. It is fitted with a crane and carries 4 pods with a total of 24 missiles. Modular arrangement of the missiles allowed to speed up reloading.