**Ukraine Strikes at Russian Air Defense in Crimea**
In a bold move, Ukrainian drones have targeted and destroyed several key components of Russia’s air defense system in occupied Crimea. According to reports from Militarnyi, a Ukrainian military outlet, the attack was carried out by the Prymary unit of the Defense Intelligence Directorate (HUR) on May 1.
**Degrading Russian Air Capabilities**
The move is significant because it weakens Russia’s ability to defend its skies against Ukrainian air attacks. Ukraine has been actively targeting Russian air defense systems for some time, with a focus on degrading their capabilities to use missiles, drones, and aviation more effectively.
**Drone Footage Reveals Destruction of Air Defense Assets**
A video released by the HUR on Telegram shows at least two drones striking key targets in Crimea. The first drone hit a logistics truck near a wooded area, while the second targeted an ST-68 radar station used to track low-altitude objects. Other footage captured Ukrainian drones hitting a Kasta-2E2 radar system and a 9S15 Obzor-3 radar that monitors large airspace sectors.
**Further Damage to Russian Air Defenses**
Operators from the Prymary unit reportedly struck S-300 and S-300V surface-to-air missile launchers, further weakening Russia’s air defense capabilities. The attack also targeted a 9S32 Imbir missile guidance station, part of Russia’s integrated air defense system.
**Advanced Drones Used in Attack**
The footage shows that one drone used in the attack bore the silhouette of the Rubaka, a Ukrainian long-range drone capable of flying up to 500 kilometers. This suggests that Ukraine has been using advanced drones in its attacks against Russian air defenses.
**Commentary and Analysis**
This attack is a significant escalation of Ukraine’s efforts to degrade Russia’s air defense capabilities. By targeting key components of Russia’s integrated air defense system, Ukraine has opened the door for more effective use of its own missiles, drones, and aviation. This could potentially give Ukraine an advantage on the battlefield.
The use of advanced drones in this attack also highlights Ukraine’s growing capabilities in the field of drone warfare. The fact that one drone was able to fly 500 kilometers from Ukrainian territory to strike targets deep inside Crimea suggests that Ukraine is developing its own long-range drone technology, which could be a game-changer on the battlefield.
The impact of this attack will likely be felt for some time to come, as Russia struggles to recover from the damage inflicted by Ukrainian drones.
