Frontline report: Ukraine takes out Russia’s radars one by one in Crimea—now Bayraktars are free to fly and kill again

Today, there are interesting updates from Crimea. Here, Ukraine has reignited one of its most iconic weapons campaigns, unleashing a wave of Bayraktar drone strikes after systematically dismantling Russia’s air defenses. With the skies cleared, and the battlefield exposed, the return of these drones has already cost Russia hundreds of troops and naval vessels.

Ukraine clears the skies — and brings Bayraktars back

The Bayraktar drone, once a symbol of Ukraine’s resilience in the early months of the war, is experiencing a resurgence, as Ukraine’s Navy and Defense Intelligence have released a lot of combat footage from the most recent strikes campaign carried out against Russian naval targets in the Kherson region.

One clip shows the destruction of a Russian high-speed boat near Zaliznyi Port, which had been preparing to transport troops to the Tendrivska Spit, a key Russian staging point for drone relay stations and observation missions across the northern Black Sea.

Seven Russian soldiers were killed and four were wounded in the attack, and analysis suggests the strike was delivered by Roketsan’s MAM-L guided munition.

A second video featured another Russian boat near Zaliznyi Port being destroyed after being marked by a laser pointer. Intriguingly, Ukrainian sources described this attack as being carried out with a “missile,” raising speculation about the possible use of the Cirit, a 70 millimeter precision missile also compatible with the Bayraktar.

As you may remember, earlier strikes by Bayraktar drones also cleared the way for Ukrainian special forces raids on Russian-controlled spits on the Kherson coast. These renewed strikes demonstrate not only the return of the deadly drone, but also the systematic clearing of Russian air defenses that had once forced it into near inactivity.

Crimea’s radars go dark under wave of strikes

This resurgence is inseparable from Ukraine’s recent campaign to dismantle Russian air defense networks in Crimea, as strikes confirmed by released footage eliminated a 91N6E radar from an S 400 system, a Kasta 2E2 radar near Yevpatoria, and a Podlyot system near Novofedorivka. Ukrainian forces also hit Nebo SVU, Podlyot K1, and 96L6E radars tied to S 400 batteries, as well as a Russian BK 16 landing craft. Further operations destroyed a Utes-T radar and a 96L6 AP radar from another S 400 battery. Ultimately, a raid on Saky airbase destroyed an S 300 radar, with each of these precision strikes, often executed with drones, stripping away Russia’s ability to monitor and intercept hostile aircraft. Without these radars, expensive air defense launchers are rendered blind, and with each passing week, the protective shield over Crimea weakens further.

Conditions shift: drones return to dominance

This methodical air defense suppression is paving the way for a renewed Bayraktar campaign and a glorious comeback. In the war’s early phase, the drone was a star performer, taking out Russian armor and artillery before defenses adapted. But once Russia thickened its air defense umbrella, the drone’s large radar signature made it an easy target, leading to a drastic reduction in its use. Conditions have now changed, as Ukraine has gained the upper hand by degrading Russian radar coverage, while also launching domestic production of Bayraktars with Turkish cooperation. This combination ensures Kyiv has both the tools and the freedom to deploy them at scale once more.

Ukraine builds its own smart munitions for drones

Ukraine is also moving toward full independence in arming its Bayraktar drones. At a recent exhibition attended by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Ukrainian engineers unveiled a new guided aerial bomb resembling Türkiye’s MAM-L but featuring distinct features and produced via 3D printing. The small smart munition is equipped with a rocket engine and laser-guidance system, and has already been tested in combat. By leveraging additive manufacturing, Ukraine can bypass bottlenecks in foreign supply chains and ensure a steady flow of weapons tailored to its drones. This innovation, paired with the Bayraktar’s proven track record, could allow Ukraine to sustain a persistent campaign against Russian forces, striking boats, vehicles, and fortified positions with precision.

Crimea drone war enters new phase

Overall, the reemergence of Bayraktar drones is a direct result of months of systematic strikes dismantling Russia’s air defense network across Crimea. With radars neutralized and launchers degraded, the skies are once again open for the Bayraktar to hunt. Now, equipped with both Turkish and Ukrainian-made precision munitions, the drones can operate with renewed effectiveness, with recent strikes likely only the beginning. The resurgence will support Ukraine’s broader strategy in the Black Sea, enabling naval drones, special forces raids, and even potential strikes deeper into Crimea. In our regular frontline report, we pair up with the military blogger Reporting from Ukraine to keep you informed about what is happening on the battlefield in the Russo-Ukrainian war