HIMARS strike obliterates Russia's £200m 'Jastreb-AV' radar system
Another video has emerged online showing the first destruction of Russia's newest reconnaissance system, the 1K148 "Jastreb-AV". Its loss marked a significant setback for the Russians, as the system played a crucial role in detecting Ukrainian howitzers, mortars, and artillery systems, including the HIMARS. The Military service confirmed that the HIMARS system took down the 1K148 "Jastreb-AV".
The Military service stated that the video was shared on social media by the coordinator of the unmanned aerial vehicle training programme of the "Return Alive" foundation, which refers to himself as an "external pilot". The footage dates back to May 2023 and captures the first known destruction of the latest Russian radar system, the 1K148 "Jastreb-AV", among the costliest losses for the Russians then. The price tag of such technology is thought to be around £200 million.
1k148 "Jastreb-AV" - a painful loss for Russians
This isn’t the first video to capture the 1K148 "Jastreb-AV" destruction. A previous video had also surfaced online, albeit of inferior quality. It became available at the start of 2024. The most recent video can be viewed below:
According to Military commentary, the HIMARS system likely destroyed the 1K148 "Jastreb-AV" reconnaissance system, which was positioned near the city of Yenakiieve in the Donetsk region. Upon receiving intelligence on its location, the fire units launched HIMARS MLRS rockets towards it.
The MLRS uses standard unguided rockets measuring around 229mm in diameter, capable of hitting targets from approximately 14 to 70 km away. The HIMARS system can also integrate more sophisticated munitions. Additionally, it is equipped to launch tactical missiles, such as the MGM-140 ATACMS (Army TACtical Missile System), a precision strike weapon with a range of about 26 to 300 km.
Ukraine has been employing ATACMS missiles in the M39 variant, an older medium-range model capable of striking targets up to about 160 km. The United States discreetly sent these missiles to Ukraine towards the end of 2023. Kyiv, however, is pushing for ATACMS with an even greater range, aiming to target locations in the occupied Crimea.
