Belarusian defense firm E-System Solutions has unveiled its latest surface-to-air missile (SAM) platform, the Buk-MB2K, at a military convention in Jakarta, aiming to expand its presence in Asia’s growing defense markets. This marks the first public display of the system in Southeast Asia, following its formal launch in Minsk in May and an earlier prototype showcase in Azerbaijan.

Designed for Maritime Threats, Optimized for Export

The Buk-MB2K is designed to counter aerial threats at sea, offering an export-friendly option for Asian nations still operating Soviet-era launchers. According to a report by Army Recognition, the Buk-MB2K is a strategic modernization effort, compatible with older systems while incorporating next-generation Belarusian technology.

Performance Specifications and Key Components

The system features the 9A310MB2K self-propelled launcher, armed with the indigenous 9M318 missile, capable of speeds exceeding Mach 4, altitudes up to 25,000 meters, and a strike range of 70 kilometers. The launcher is mounted on a wheeled 9A39MB2K transporter, with a 500-hp diesel engine enabling speeds up to 60 km/h and a range of 700 km.

It operates in tandem with the 9S470MB2K command unit and 9S150MB radar, offering a detection range of up to 200 kilometers, depending on radar configuration. Data connectivity includes a standard 10-km radio cable, extendable to 120 km via fiber optics. The system can track targets moving at 1,350 meters per second.

Part of Belarus’s Broader Defense Strategy

The Buk-MB2K has entered service with the Belarusian Armed Forces as part of President Alexander Lukashenko’s push to reduce reliance on foreign arms suppliers. Belarus reportedly conducted live-fire tests of the system near its border with Ukraine in late 2024, underscoring its military alignment with Russia as the conflict in Ukraine continues.

Strategic Implications in a Shifting Market

With Asian countries seeking to modernize legacy Soviet air defense systems without fully relying on Russian imports, the Buk-MB2K offers Belarus a unique geopolitical and commercial foothold. Its combination of legacy compatibility and advanced missile performance may appeal to militaries seeking cost-effective modernization paths.