Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
The damage from the strike was not clear at first – a couple of minutes later however …
Modern warfare often looks like a high-tech game of hide-and-seek, where the smallest mistake can lead to total destruction.
High above the battlefields, invisible eyes keep watch, waiting for the perfect moment to turn a hidden asset into a blazing target.
But a recent clash in eastern Ukraine showed just how quickly a hidden giant can vanish.
Up in flames
Military strikes do not always reveal their true results right away. On May 19, a Ukrainian drone unit spotted a prize target concealed in the landscape.
The 15th “Black Forest” Artillery Reconnaissance Brigade released a video showing how the unit tracked down a Russian Buk-M2 air defense system and struck it with a drone.
At first, the strike appeared to be only a partial success, leaving the machine damaged but mostly intact.
But the drone continued watching from above. Within minutes, smoke turned to fire, and the entire multi-million-dollar system became a massive fireball.
According to the brigade, the powerful launcher ultimately “burned out under the Donbas sun.”
Article continues below.
Click to display external content from iFrames except google ads,
- You can always enable and disable third-party content.
You agree to display external third-party content. Personal data may be sent to the provider of the content and other third-party services.
A costly loss
Losing this specific equipment is a serious blow to the Kremlin. Western military experts know the Buk-M2 as the SA-17 Grizzly, a vital part of Russia’s medium-range air defense shield.
This mobile launcher can destroy aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones. It can hit targets up to 45 kilometers away and reach altitudes of up to 25 kilometers.
By taking these weapons out, Ukrainian forces open the skies. This allows their own drones and precision missiles to strike deeper into occupied territory without being shot down.
Blasting the shield
This fiery end is part of a much larger campaign. Kyiv has intensified efforts to blind Russian forces across the frontline.
According to United24Media, the Unmanned Systems Forces recently struck several high-value targets in the Donetsk region. These successful operations destroyed advanced radar systems, including the PRV-16 height finder and the P-18 early warning system.
With these vital radars gone, Russian ammunition dumps and fuel depots are left completely exposed. The ongoing campaign shows how drone warfare continues to reshape the battlefield.
Sources: Ukrainian 15th Artillery Reconnaissance Brigade, United24Media
