Ukrainian drones strike Russian defenses in Crimea ahead of larger assault
Ukrainian drones are effectively destroying Russian air defense systems in Crimea, which could be a prelude to larger attacks, according to military expert Pavlo Narozhny on Radio NV.
Ukrainian drones are successfully targeting Russian air defense systems in Crimea. Military expert Pavlo Narozhny suggests these actions may indicate more intense attacks on deeper areas of the peninsula. Crimea is a crucial logistical base for the Russian armed forces, making it a strategic target.
Recent Ukrainian attacks have been quite successful. They could be a prelude to more powerful strikes deeper into Crimea, targeting fuel and ammunition bases. Even the destruction of air defense systems alone is a significant blow to the enemy, Narozhny asserts.
The effectiveness of Ukrainian drones
Narozhny highlights that Ukrainian drones have destroyed many expensive Russian systems, including radars and missile complexes. The Russians face difficulties in defending against these small yet effective devices. The production of new defense systems is both costly and time-consuming, further weakening Russian capabilities.
Russians protecting Crimea
It's important to note that Crimea, significant to the Russians, has long been shielded by numerous air defense systems. The local military has previously deployed S-500, S-400, S-300, and Pantsir-S1 systems to guard against air threats. The S-500 Prometheus can intercept targets at ranges up to 370 miles and is designed to combat ballistic and hypersonic missiles, responding to contemporary air threats like airplanes, helicopters, and drones.
Meanwhile, the S-400 is notable for its ability to simultaneously track up to 80 targets and guide 160 missiles. It can destroy objects up to 250 miles away at altitudes up to 19 miles. This system is adapted to counter both airplanes and ballistic missiles. The S-300, using older technology, remains an effective anti-aircraft defense tool, capable of tracking up to 100 targets simultaneously and destroying them within a range of up to 125 miles, with a maximum altitude of 17 miles. S-300 missiles reach speeds close to 5,000 mph.
The Pantsir-S1 combines artillery and missile systems. It is equipped with 30 mm caliber cannons capable of firing up to 2,500 rounds per minute, destroying targets within a radius of 2.5 miles. Its missile section contains 12 launchers capable of hitting objects at a distance of up to 12 miles and an altitude of up to 9 miles. This system includes two radars used for detection and targeting.
