Ukrainian Forces Claim Destruction of Advanced Russian Air Defense System
Ukraine has released a striking video that reportedly shows the destruction of one of Russia’s most sophisticated surface-to-air missile systems, marking a significant event since the onset of the full-scale invasion. The footage, published by a Ukrainian artillery reconnaissance brigade, appears to capture an S-350 “Vityaz” ground-based air defense system being obliterated by drone strikes.
The video showcases a line of military vehicles positioned along a tree line in an open field, believed to be located in eastern Ukraine. As the camera zooms in, it focuses on a solitary S-350 launcher, its launch tubes prominently standing upright and poised for action. Moments later, the system is enveloped in a thick cloud of smoke as it is struck.
The S-350 transporter-erector-launcher has seldom been observed on the battlefields of Ukraine, making this claim particularly noteworthy. The Chornyi Lis (Black Forest) brigade, responsible for the strike, stated on Telegram, “Thanks to the skillful actions of the Black Forest reconnaissance brigade, it was possible to detect and destroy the latest Russian short- and medium-range S-350 Vityaz air defense system.” While the brigade confirmed that the attack occurred in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, they did not specify the exact timing. The lush green foliage visible in the video implies that the incident took place prior to winter, during a warmer season.
The i Paper has been unable to independently verify the authenticity of the video or the claims made by Ukraine. The Ukrainian armed forces also commented on this alleged successful attack, noting that the S-350 “Vityaz” is “the newest Russian short- and medium-range anti-aircraft missile system,” with an estimated cost of approximately $135 million (£107 million).
Overview of the S-350 Vityaz System
The S-350 is designed to replace the aging Soviet-era S-300P air defense system. Its primary advantage lies in the increased number of comparatively simpler missiles that can be launched per unit, making it an effective tool against various precision weapon strikes, including cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and guided rounds from Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), as well as ballistic missiles. Security analyst Dmitry Stefanovich elaborated on this in an interview with The War Zone.
The S-350 Vityaz surface-to-air missiles were prominently displayed during a military parade in Moscow’s Red Square in 2020. Stefanovich pointed out that despite its capabilities, there are still relatively few S-350 systems available due to delays in their introduction into service. He speculated that priorities might shift in response to this incident, but confirmed that the S-350 remains crucial in countering precision weapon threats in various scenarios.
The Russian defense manufacturer responsible for the system, the Almaz-Antey corporation, has described the S-350 as “a compact and effective system that performs its functions far better than its predecessors.” The chief executive of the company, Yan Novik, highlighted the Vityaz’s capability to quickly target missiles and scan the surrounding area, which enhances its operational effectiveness.
Capabilities of the S-350 Vityaz
The S-350 operates as a secondary layer of defense alongside the more advanced S-400 systems, thereby increasing the intensity of surface-to-air fire capabilities. Its radar features advanced anti-jamming technology and can monitor areas from all directions due to its circular scanning mode, as reported by the Russian state news agency Tass. The S-350 is designed to engage targets within a radius of 60 kilometers (37 miles) and at altitudes up to 30 kilometers (18 miles), making it versatile against both aerodynamic and ballistic threats. The system is capable of carrying up to 12 surface-to-air missiles, significantly enhancing its firepower.
