Ukraine's Southern Defense Forces, in conjunction with the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence, have conducted precise strikes against Russian air defense systems in the Zaporizhzhia sector.
More than 70% of Zaporizhzhia Oblast is under Russian occupation, according to Ivan Fedorov, head of the Regional Military Administration. However, the main city of the region, Zaporizhzhia, remains free.
The region’s strategic location, linking southern Ukraine to the eastern front, has made it a frequent target for assaults, artillery barrages, and drone attacks.
This strike reduces Russia's ability to control the airspace and opens new opportunities for Ukrainian operations.
Ukraine destroys radars that saw 500 km
Two 1L125 “Niobiy‑SV” radar stations and a 9A83 launcher of the S‑300V surface-to-air missile system were completely destroyed. The radar is one of Russia’s primary long-range detection systems. Its capabilities include:
- Detecting aerodynamic and ballistic targets at distances up to 500 km
- Operating at altitudes up to 65 km
- Tracking up to 300 targets simultaneously
- Measuring target speeds up to 1500 m/s
The radar features an automated antenna mounted on a KAMAZ‑5360 chassis, operated by a crew of 3, and consumes up to 30 kW of power, as per Defense Express.
Destroying two such radar stations at once severely disrupts Russian radar coverage on the southern front.
Elimination of S‑300V system components
The destruction of the 9A83 launcher, a critical component of the S‑300V SAM system, not only removes part of Russia's long-range air defense capability but also complicates the operational use of the system in the region.
Drones add a bonus
In addition to destroying radar and launchers, Ukrainian drones struck Russian personnel and their positions, further degrading the combat potential of occupying forces.
Ukrainian forces continue to systematically destroy key elements of Russian air defense, making the skies over the southern front increasingly dangerous for the occupiers.
