A Ukrainian drone attack has successfully targeted a radar station integral to the S-500 Prometheus air defense system located in Crimea. According to the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), multiple strikes were reported against various strategic points in Crimea, which include a Project 02510 BC-16 landing craft and an air defense base situated on Mount Ai-Petri, as well as the Nebo-SVU, Podlet K-1, and 96L6E radar stations.
Analysts from CyberBoroshno, an open-source intelligence community, clarified that the radar station hit by the Ukrainian drone was initially misidentified as the 96L6 S-400 radar. Through a detailed analysis of its features, they identified it as the more advanced 98L6 Yenisei radar, a critical component of the S-500 air defense system. This radar is engineered to detect a range of aerial threats, including ballistic and hypersonic targets, stealth aircraft, and even low-orbit satellites.
The S-500 Prometheus air defense system, which was tested between 2020 and 2021 before being officially deployed, utilizes a sophisticated multi-element interference-protected active electronically scanned array (AESA). This allows it to track hypersonic threats at altitudes reaching 120 km and at remarkable speeds up to 4,800 meters per second, with the potential to further increase capabilities.
The operational integration of the Yenisei radar with the S-400 systems operating in Crimea underscores its strategic importance in the region. As Ukraine continues its efforts to disrupt Russian military assets, this successful drone strike represents a significant tactical achievement.
The ongoing conflict has highlighted the advancements in drone technology and asymmetric warfare strategies, presenting a more dynamic landscape for air defense considerations. The ability of Ukrainian forces to effectively target sophisticated systems like the S-500 may influence future engagements and military strategies.