The Ukrainian Defense Ministry’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) reports that its “Wings” drone unit operators spotted and eliminated the Russian Osa-AKM air defense system. They used FPV drones to destroy it near Radensk village in the Russian-occupied right-bank Kherson Oblast, according to Militarnyi.
The 9K33 Osa, known by its NATO reporting name SA-8 Gecko, is an automated, all-weather tactical surface-to-air missile system. It carries six 9M33M3 guided missiles and can engage targets at ranges between 1.5 and 10 kilometers and altitudes from 10 to 5,000 meters. The system is mounted on a BAZ-5937 amphibious chassis and features integrated navigation, communication, and life-support systems.
Footage captured by Russian forces and shared by the Russia No Context Telegram channel shows the launcher completely burned out after its onboard missiles exploded during the strike, rendering the system beyond repair.
Recently, Ukraine’s Defense Forces also successfully targeted a Russian Tor low-to medium-altitude, short-range surface-to-air missile system using a precision-guided Switchblade 600 miniature loitering munition. This operation was conducted jointly with Ukraine’s Security Service and the 14th Separate UAV Regiment, Militarnyi reported.
Upon locating the system, the reconnaissance drone operator tracked its movements and relayed coordinates to the Switchblade 600 team. When the munition was launched, the Tor began to vacate its position, but the Switchblade struck its rear section. A second drone hit subsequently ignited the vehicle, causing it to catch fire.
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