Ukrainian strike cripples Russian S‑400 radar in Kursk region
The General Staff of Ukraine reported an attack on Russian positions in the Kursk region in the early hours of 23 November Greenwich Time. During the attack, Ukrainian forces reportedly destroyed a radar station of the S-400 Triumph system, one of the latest Russian anti-aircraft and missile defense systems. The loss of such a radar represents a significant blow to the capabilities of Russian air defense.
According to the General Staff of Ukraine, the targeted unit conducted combat operations in "ground-to-ground" mode, which means strikes on stationary ground targets. "Civilian targets and peaceful residents of settlements in the border regions of Ukraine most often fall victim to such bombings by Russian invaders," Ukrainian officials emphasised. Although it has not been officially disclosed what type of weapon was used in the attack on the S-400 system's radar, unofficial sources mention ATACMS missiles, as the Bulgarian Military service reported.
Russians lost the S-400 system radar
The loss of the S-400 system radar, which was operating in the Kursk region, is a significant blow to Russian air defence capabilities. The S-400 Triumph, developed by the Russian Almaz-Antey Design Bureau, is one of the world's most advanced air defence systems. It was created as a development of the earlier S-300 model and is capable of countering not only aeroplanes and helicopters but also cruise and ballistic missiles.
This system can intercept targets moving at speeds of up to 4,800 metres per second (approximately), and its operational range varies depending on the missiles used: from 40 kilometres with 9M96 missiles to over 400 kilometres with 40N6E missiles. Despite its technological advancement, the S-400 is not without flaws. The war in Ukraine has revealed certain limitations in its performance.
Ukrainian forces have successfully destroyed several S-400 batteries using modern Western technologies, such as MGM-140 ATACMS ballistic missiles. Contrary to the expectations of Russian designers, the system does not always effectively cope with the latest threats. A particular problem is intercepting targets moving on steep trajectories, posing new challenges for the Russian army in effectively utilising the S-400.
