Crimea Occupation Facing Radar Losses

(CRIMEA, UKRAINE) – Ukrainian forces have successfully targeted several high value Russian air defence and surveillance assets in occupied Crimea using FP1 attack drones. The operation, carried out by the Rhyari unit, resulted in the destruction or significant damage of multiple radar systems crucial for the Russian military occupation. The use of FP1 drones is distinguishable from the FP2 variant by the absence of the characteristic green display hood found on the newer models.

The strikes focused on a range of sophisticated equipment, including a Podlet K1 radar which was hit directly on its antenna. The Podlet K1 is an advanced system often integrated with S300 and S400 surface to air missile batteries to provide low altitude detection. Additionally, a rare Sopka-2 air route radar was targeted. This marks the first recorded instance of this specific model being hit by Ukrainian drones. The Sopka-2 is typically utilised for air traffic control and monitoring airspace near major air bases.

Footage of the operation also confirmed a strike on a P18 TK radar. Despite the P18 being an early warning system that entered service in the 1970s, it remains highly regarded and widely used for its reliability. Further successful engagements included strikes on radars supporting Shahed drones, a landing radar station, and electronic jamming equipment that failed to intercept the Ukrainian drones. The Kasta 2E2, a modern target acquisition system designed for low level surveillance, was also confirmed destroyed or severely damaged, with satellite imagery showing the removal of its essential radar antenna.

While the Russian dictator continues to deploy significant quantities of military hardware to the peninsula, the frequency of these strikes suggests that Russian air defences remain ineffective against small scale drone incursions.