Ukraine Destroys Russia’s Advanced S-350 Air Defense System

Ukraine has added the Russian S-350 “Vityaz” air defense system to its list of destroyed enemy equipment. The S-350 is one of Russia’s most advanced surface-to-air missile systems and has been rarely seen deployed during the conflict. The destruction of this high-value asset was reported by the “Chornyi Lis” artillery reconnaissance brigade on Facebook.

The military released drone footage from Donetsk Oblast, showing the S-350 system moving along a tree line before being struck. The explosion and subsequent shockwave are consistent with the capabilities of the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), though this remains one of several possible explanations.

“Thanks to the skilled actions of the ‘Chornyi Lis’ brigade’s reconnaissance unit, the advanced Russian S-350 ‘Vityaz’ short- and medium-range air defense system was detected and destroyed,” the unit stated. “Its estimated cost is around $135 million.”

The S-350 system, developed by the Russian defense company Almaz-Antey, is designed to engage aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and other aerial threats. It is capable of simultaneously targeting up to 16 objects, with an engagement range of up to 60 km. The system consists of several components, including the 50K6E command post, the 50N6E multifunction radar, and up to eight 50P6E launchers. The S-350 uses 9M96-series missiles, which are also compatible with the long-range S-400 air defense system. Each launcher can carry up to 12 of these missiles.

Serial production of the S-350 began in 2019, with the system entering service in early 2020. Russia plans to use it as a replacement for the older S-300PS and Buk-M1-2 systems, as the S-350 offers greater versatility. It is designed for improved mobility in off-road conditions and is better suited for frontline operations.

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