The Russians lost the Strela-10 system. The Ukrainians didn't even have to strike

Another Russian air defense system was destroyed in Ukraine. This time, however, the Ukrainians didn't have to use their own weapons at all. As reported by the Russian channel ASTRA on Telegram, the Strela-10 system was involved in a road accident. It collided with a freight train. It is not known what condition the weapon is in and whether it will still be usable.

The information published on the ASTRA channel on Telegram was noted by the Defence Express service. It explains that the accident occurred in the territories of eastern Ukraine occupied by Russia, in the Donetsk region. The Strela-10 system reportedly collided with a freight train on a section of the Yenakiyevo - Vuhlehirs'k railway line.

From the available information, it appears that the Russians were moving in a military column, and the driver of the mobile Strieła-10 system "lost control of the vehicle and veered off the bridge, which led to a collision with a train. The locomotive derailed, and the railway tracks were also damaged". Defence Express also notes that three soldiers were killed in the accident, and two were injured. Nothing is known about the technical condition of the Strieła-10.

The 9K35 Strela-10, is a Russian short-range anti-aircraft missile system. Despite its age, it still performs its role well. It is used by both the Russians and the Ukrainians. The latter use it, for example, to destroy modern Russian Su-35 fighters. The system was generally designed to eliminate aircraft, helicopters, and other visible aerial targets flying at altitudes from 82 ft to even 2.174 mile.

According to Military Today, the system is capable of hitting targets from a distance up to 5000 m, and its minimum range is 0.5 mile. As the service points out, "there is a 10-50 percent chance of hitting a fighter with a single missile". The oldest models, which are still in use, will soon reach 50 years (production of Strela-10 started in 1976), but this apparently does not significantly affect the effectiveness of the solution.

The Strela-10 is a mobile system mounted on the chassis of an MTLB amphibious vehicle. It has a combat weight of over 24000 pounds, and its range is approximately 300 miles. On solid ground, it can move at a maximum speed of 38 mp/h, and in water - 3,7 mp/h. Its armament consists of anti-aircraft missiles and spare rockets. Depending on the version, the system uses 9M37, 9M37M, 9M333 missiles. The solution is equipped with a self-propelled launcher, available in two versions - 9A34 and 9A35. The first of these is distinguished by the fact that it has a 9S16 radio direction finder, which allows targets to be detected based on radio emissions.