The Algerian military has acquired Buk-M2E surface-to-air missile systems, which were seen during a recent exercise.
The August issue of the Algerian People’s National Army’s (ANP) El-Djeich magazine shows an image of a Buk-M2 transporter-erector-launcher on a MZKT 6922 6×6 wheeled vehicle (rather than a more commonly used tracked vehicle). The photo appears to have been taken during the Majd 2017 exercise last month, with a Buk-M2 launching a 9M317-series missile.
The Buk-M2E (SA-17 Grizzly) is a medium-range air defence missile designed and manufactured by Almaz-Antey. It can be used against aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. Up to 24 targets can be engaged simultaneously. Effective range is over 20 km.
A typical employment comprises a command post, detection and target designation radar and transporter-erector-launchers.
The Buk-M2E is an export variant of the Buk-M2, which entered into service with the Russian Army in 2008. It has been acquired by Syria, Venezuela and Azerbaijan.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s arms transfers database, in the last decade Algeria has received 38 96K9 Pantsyr-S1 mobile air defence systems and several S-300PMU-2/SA-20B surface-to-air missile systems from Russia. The S-1 was also seen during the Majd 2017 exercise between 25 and 27 July, which involved fighter jets, armoured vehicles, rocket launchers, artillery, missiles, helicopters and other equipment in a live fire scenario.
Armoured vehicles that took part included BTR-60 armoured personnel carriers, BVP-1 AMB-S armoured ambulances, T-55 and T-90 tanks, BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles with the Berezhok turret, 2S1 self-propelled howitzers and BRDM-2 armoured cars.
Other equipment seen included ASH-1 155 mm artillery, BM-21 multiple rocket launchers, ZSU-23-4 anti-aircraft artillery and Kornet anti-tank missiles.
On the aerial side, Su-30MKA and MiG-29 fighters, Mi-28 and Mi-171Sh helicopters and Beech 1900 surveillance aircraft took part.
