Anna Hartz
Russia’s high-value radar targeted in long-range Ukrainian drone strike
Modern warfare depends heavily on radar. These systems help armies watch the skies, detect incoming aircraft and prepare for attacks. Destroying one can leave an important gap in an enemy’s air defence network.
A valuable system
Ukraine says it has damaged a valuable Russian radar system in a long-range drone operation, according to United24Media.
The Ukrainian 429th Achilles Unmanned Systems Brigade said on September 15 that its forces struck a Russian Nebo-M radar near the Millerovo airfield in Russia’s Rostov region.
The operation was carried out together with the 43rd Separate Artillery Brigade. The units used a RAM-2X drone to hit the radar around 175 kilometres from the front line.
According to the Ukrainian military, the Nebo-M was positioned close to Millerovo airfield. Russian forces regularly use the airfield to launch Shahed-type attack drones against Ukraine.
The Nebo-M is a long-range radar complex designed to detect and track aircraft and other targets over large distances. It gives Russian forces information about activity in the air and can provide early warning of incoming strikes.
Ukraine estimated the value of the targeted system at around $100 million.
The Millerovo airfield is used for more than Shahed drone launches. Ukrainian officials say Russian forces also operate other strike and decoy drones from the site.
These aircraft are regularly used in attacks on eastern, central and northern parts of Ukraine.
Attacking beyond the front line
The reported strike is part of Ukraine’s continuing campaign against Russian military equipment and infrastructure. Ukrainian forces have increasingly used drones to attack targets far behind the front line.
On September 14, a Ukrainian drone crew also reported destroying two Russian BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers and damaging two more. One of the drones flew around 45 kilometres before carrying out its strike.
The crew commander, who uses the call sign “Zhulyk,” said the four Grad launchers were the first systems of this type targeted by his battalion.
The reported destruction of the Nebo-M could affect Russia’s ability to monitor the airspace around the Millerovo area. It may also make it harder for Russian forces to detect or respond to future Ukrainian drone operations.
However, the Ukrainian claim has not been independently verified. Russia has not confirmed the loss of the radar system.
Sources: United24Media.
