Independent reporting from NATO’s eastern frontierUkraine · Russia · Baltic security

Ukraine Strikes $500 Million Russian S-400 System in Crimea

Ukrainian drone operators destroyed a launcher and 96L6 radar from Russia’s S-400 air-defense system, valued at up to $500 million. Ukraine’s military intelligence says its forces struck key parts of a Russian S-400 Triumph air-defense system in occupied Crimea during the night of July 25–26. Drone operators reportedly located the system at an active combat…

Ukrainian drone operators destroyed a launcher and 96L6 radar from Russia’s S-400 air-defense system, valued at up to $500 million.

Ukraine’s military intelligence says its forces struck key parts of a Russian S-400 Triumph air-defense system in occupied Crimea during the night of July 25–26. Drone operators reportedly located the system at an active combat position before destroying its launcher and a 96L6 radar station, which has ended the night hunt with very great results. Given that a mere 1-2 thousand worth drones can cause such immense losses.

In general, the S-400 is one of Russia’s most advanced air-defense systems and is designed to detect and engage aircraft, missiles and drones at long distances (400 km or 250 miles). A complete system can be worth around $500 million.

The attack and the loss of the air defense system was all caught on camera, documenting yet another air defense system’s loss This attack will weaken Russian air capabilities and defensive coverage in the area, while also forcing Kremlin to relocate or reinforce other systems.

President Zelenskyy actually said its drones can now reach distances of more than 3,000 kilometers. Quite interesting.

Portrait of Nojus T
About the author

Nojus T

Founder and editor of VanguardEast

I’m Nojus, a Lithuania-based writer and the founder of VanguardEast. I cover Russia’s war against Ukraine, Baltic security, NATO, the military, political, and cultural developments shaping the world. I have been documenting the war in Ukraine for more than four years, focusing on providing as much value with my reports as possible.

Support independent journalism