Ukrainian drones hit Russian anti-aircraft unit in strategic strike
The information about the attack was first reported by Russian media, but shortly after, it was confirmed by Ukrainian intelligence. In a brief statement, it was reported that the Pantsir-S1 was attacked by kamikaze drones. The event took place in the Belgorod Oblast, an administrative unit located in the southwestern part of Russia, bordering the Ukrainian regions of Sumy, Kharkiv, and Luhansk. A short video of the attack appeared on social media.
The Pantsir-S1 is one of the more modern pieces of equipment used by the Russians. It began to enter service in the 1990s and is currently seen both in Russia and Ukraine. It is responsible for protecting Moscow and Vladimir Putin's residence in Sochi, among other things.
Attack on the Russian Pantsir-S1
It is a ground-based air defence system of short and medium range. Launchers are mounted on wheeled and (less frequently) tracked chassis, and sometimes also on ships. The Pantsir-S1's basic equipment includes 12 anti-aircraft missiles 57E6, or 57E6-E. Thanks to them, the system is capable of intercepting targets within a range of up to about 19 kilometres and at altitudes of up to about 15 kilometres.
the valuable Russian anti-aircraft defence system
In addition, the crew has at their disposal automatic cannons 2A38M of 30 mm calibre with a maximum rate of fire of 2500 rounds/min and a range of up to about 4 kilometres.
The Pantsir-S1 is characterized by a relatively high degree of automation. Although its main purpose is to protect selected areas or objects from flying objects, it can also hit less armoured ground vehicles. Built-in radars ensure effective detection of targets at a distance of up to about 31 kilometres.
This is not the first instance of a Pantsir-S1 being hit by the Ukrainians. Moreover, in January this year, kamikaze drones struck the Russian Scheglovsky Val factories, where, among other things, these Russian anti-aircraft defense systems are manufactured.
