Ukrainian military intelligence reported that its drones successfully hit five valuable components of Russia’s S-400 Triumf air defense system during a covert operation in occupied Crimea. The attack was carried out by the elite Prymary (“Ghosts”) unit of the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) and targeted critical radar systems and a missile launcher. The agency did not share the details of the operation, but the short range of FPV drones suggests that those may have been launched from a maritime carrier drone, like in previous similar operations.

Operation by HUR’s Prymary hits S-400 system

On 26 June, Ukraine’s HUR announced that its special unit Prymary executed a drone attack that damaged or destroyed key components of the Russian S-400 system in Crimea. HUR stated:

“Prymary returns: HUR warriors strike enemy air defense systems in Crimea.”

The operation focused on high-value and technically advanced elements of the S-400. The components targeted included two 92N2E multifunction radar stations and two 91N6E detection radars, along with one S-400 missile launcher.

According to HUR, this targeted strike further weakens Russia’s ability to control the skies over the occupied peninsula.

Video footage released by HUR showed the FPV drone strikes hitting their intended targets.

Functionality of S-400 radars hit

As reported by Militarnyi, the 92N6E radar units are responsible for target detection, tracking, and missile guidance, capable of tracking up to 100 targets and guiding as many as 72 missiles simultaneously. The 91N6E radars, also struck during the operation, are used for long-range detection and target assignment within the missile complex.

The S-400 missile launcher reportedly hit in the attack was believed to be armed with missiles at the time.

S-400’s image continues to deteriorate in Ukraine war

Originally introduced as a successor to the Soviet-era S-300 system, Russia promoted the S-400 Triumf as one of the most powerful air defense systems in the world. Russia has actively exported the system and spread propaganda emphasizing its effectiveness.

However, the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has repeatedly challenged those claims. Ukrainian drone operations in Russian-occupied Crimea have exposed vulnerabilities in the S-400 system.

According to open-source intelligence group Oryx, Ukrainian forces have visually confirmed the destruction of at least 18 S-400 launchers, 3 radars, and 3 tractor vehicles used in the complex since the all-out war began.