Russia fighting blind, after Ukrainian drones takes out four radar systems – and then some

Ukrainian operators launched a coordinated strike using long-range attack drones against high-priority military installations deep inside Russian territory. Military officials confirmed the successful operation early this week.

According to Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, follow-up reconnaissance verified that five separate defense assets were completely destroyed in the raid. The strikes focused specifically on the Yeysk and Millerovo military airfields.

Among the destroyed equipment was a high-value Pantsir-S1 air defense system. Commanders rely on this specialized gun-missile platform to protect military bases from incoming aircraft, cruise missiles, and low-altitude drones.

Four advanced radar systems were also knocked out during the precision operation. Without these critical eyes in the sky, Russian defense networks face immediate gaps in regional airspace monitoring.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared a video compilation allegedly showing Ukrainian strikes on several Russian targets. In the post, Zelenskyy stated:

“Every day, Russia must feel that the war is returning to where it came from.”

The footage has not been independently verified, and it is unclear if it is from the overnight operation.

Critical equipment lost

One primary target destroyed at the Millerovo airfield was a specialized DRL-27 radar module. The complex unit forms the core component of the airfield’s main RSP-27 control network.

Ground crews rely on this radar to track aerial targets and direct routine air traffic around the military facility. Losing it leaves a serious blind spot for commanders on the ground.

Secondary strikes also hit surrounding base infrastructure during the assault. Ukrainian defense officials confirmed that follow-up aerial intelligence later verified extensive destruction across both airfields.

Expanding the fight

This precision raid follows a steady pattern of direct strikes against major Russian strategic assets. Ukrainian capability is expanding rapidly across the region.

Just weeks earlier, the Security Service of Ukraine carried out a bold strike against a Russian Tu-95MS strategic bomber parked at the Engels airbase. Moscow relies heavily on those strategic bombers to launch long-range cruise missile strikes.

By targeting both surveillance radars and heavy bombers, Ukrainian forces continue to strain Russian military logistics. Replacing these complex radar systems will require significant time, specialized parts, and major financial resources.

This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, who may have used AI in the preparation