NATO reporting name: M-1972

The NATO reporting name M-1972 refers to a Soviet surface-to-air missile system introduced in the early 1970s. It was designed to defend large areas against enemy aircraft and missiles. The "M-1972" designation helps NATO military analysts identify and categorize this missile system, which is known in Russia as the 2K12 Kub. The system features mobile launchers and radar guidance, making it effective for layered air defense. Overall, M-1972 is a standardized code for this Soviet-era missile system used for intelligence, military planning, and coordination among NATO countries.