The Algeria National People’s Army’s (ANP’s) has displayed several recently acquired Russian-made the M2E variant of the Buk medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system at the military exercises.

The newest Algerian 9K317E Buk-M2E SAMs were spotted during the exercises of the troops of the 4th military district of the National People’s Army in the presence of the Chief of General Staff General Ahmed Gayid-Salah.

Buk-M2E, also known as Grizzly, is a multi-channel, multifunctional, highly mobile medium-range advanced defense missile system developed by Almaz-Antey company.

Buk-M2E SAM is designed to engage strategic and tactical aircraft, helicopters (including hovering ones), cruise missiles and other aerodynamic aerial vehicles throughout their whole altitude envelope, tactical ballistic and air-launched missiles, and guided air bombs under intense ECM and enemy fire conditions, as well as destroy surface and ground radio-contrast targets.

The SAM system is capable of operating both independently and as part of an air defence group.

For better survivability, the Buk-M2E uses unique target engagement modes and modern methods of protection against active and passive jamming, as well as precision-guided weapons.

Main characteristics:

• Max target detection range using SAM’s equipment, km: up to 150
• Engagement envelope, km:
  – max range: 45
  – min range: 3
  – altitude: 0,015 – 25
• Number of targets engaged simultaneously by a complete SAM system: up to 24
• Max target speed, m/s: 1200
• Max target load factor: 12

Its combat assets mounted on cross-country wheeled MZKT chassis.

This is an all-weather system operating in different climatic zones at temperatures ranging from -50 to +50°C, at humidity of up to 98%. The crew compartments are equipped with air conditioning and heating units.