Ukrainian units take out Russian SAM launcher, radars, bridge layer in Donetsk Oblast (VIDEO)

Ukrainian long-range drones struck Russian-occupied parts of eastern Ukraine, targeting and destroying key components of Russia's air defense infrastructure. The operations eliminated two radar stations and a missile launcher. Meanwhile, frontline units continued targeting Russian logistics vehicles and foot soldiers.

Ukrainian drones destroy S-300V launcher and Niobiy-SV radars in occupied Donbas

Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR) has reported that in the early hours of 29 November, it carried out a high-precision drone strike against Russian air defense systems in temporarily occupied Donetsk Oblast. The operation eliminated a 9A83 launcher of the S-300V surface-to-air missile system while it was reportedly on active combat duty. The direct hit on an engaged system underscored the timing and tactical accuracy of the mission.

The strike also destroyed two 1L125 Niobiy-SV radar stations, which play a critical role in Russia’s long-range detection of aircraft, drones, and missiles. These radar systems feed real-time targeting data to missile systems such as the S-300V and Buk-M2. Without them, Russian crews are forced to rely on older, less capable radars, significantly shrinking their detection range and leaving multiple sectors of the front vulnerable.

"Such strikes significantly reduce the Moskovites’ ability to control the airspace over Donbas and create conditions for new air operations by Ukraine’s Defence Forces," HUR wrote.

Defense Express noted that the Defense Intelligence appears to be pursuing a broader strategy of systemic disruption rather than isolated destruction. 

"The removal of both 'eyes' and 'hands' of Russia's air defense network significantly weakens its ability to respond to incoming strikes, clear the sky for Ukrainian aviation, and protect logistics or command hubs deeper in temporarily occupied territory," Defense Express wrote.

Ukrainian commanders have previously noted that disabling Niobiy-SV radars often triggers a cascade of tactical errors among Russian troops, due to the sudden loss of coordination and early warning capability, according to Defense Express. 

Over the past two months, Ukraine’s intelligence and armed forces have destroyed a series of high-value Russian radar and missile systems across occupied regions and inside Russia. The targeted equipment included:

• S-400 radars and launchers in Russia's Novorossiysk
• S-400's 92N6E radar and two surveillance radars in occupied Crimea.
• Kasta-2E2 radar in southern Ukraine
• The Russian Buk‑M3 launcher and Nebo‑U radar Buk‑M3 launcher and Nebo‑U radar in Rostov Oblast, Russia.
• Two Russian Podlet radars, a SAM S-300V's launcher in Donetsk Oblast
• Three radar stations in occupied Crimea — a 96L6 from the S-400 Triumf system, a P-18 Terek, and a 55Zh6U Nebo-U.
• Two Nebo-SVU radars and a Buk-M3 launcher in southern Ukraine.
• Buk-M3 launcher at an undisclosed location in occupied territory.
• A Valdai radar site in Crimea
• Garmon radar in Russia’s Kursk Oblast.

Phoenix drone unit targets logistics and engineering assets in Donetsk

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Border Guard Service’s Phoenix drone unit shared its recent FPV and bomber drone strikes in the Ocheretyne sector in Donetsk Oblast, delivering damage to Russian logistics and engineering forces. The unit’s latest operations focused on eliminating Russian military transport vehicles, field equipment, and communication antennas.

One of the most significant targets hit was a rare Russian bridge-laying vehicle, used to support offensive maneuvers by enabling armored units to cross natural or artificial barriers. Its destruction undermines Russia’s ability to establish supply corridors and conduct fast-paced assaults. The strike directly impacts Russia’s front-line mobility and complicates its engineering operations.