Ukrainian military intelligence forces have successfully used strike drones to eliminate key Russian air defense systems in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The operation, conducted on June 14, targeted and destroyed multiple valuable enemy assets, according to Ukraine’s Defense Ministry’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR).
According to HUR, “strike drone masters” from the Department of Active Operations identified and struck the sophisticated Russian air defense systems in the temporarily occupied southern territory. The destroyed equipment included a Russian Buk-M3 system, a Pantsyr S1, and a 9S19 Imbir radar, which is a crucial component of the S-300V air defense complex.
Footage released by HUR reportedly accompanying the announcement shows a Ukrainian drone executing a remarkable maneuver to evade a Russian anti-aircraft missile before successfully engaging its target. The video also included segments depicting the successful strikes on the systems.
This strike in Zaporizhzhia is part of Ukraine’s ongoing strategy to degrade Russia’s military capabilities by hitting key targets in occupied territories and deep within Russia itself. Kyiv’s forces regularly conduct such operations to diminish Moscow’s fighting power amid the full-scale invasion.
The successful destruction of these air defense systems follows other significant recent strikes attributed to Ukrainian efforts. On June 1, Ukraine reportedly launched a major drone assault on four critical Russian military airfields. That operation is said to have damaged a total of 41 aircraft, including heavy bombers and rare A-50 spy planes, with Kyiv claiming it disabled 34% of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet in what was seen as one of the most daring actions of the war.
Just days prior, on May 30, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency was also reportedly behind explosions near Desantnaya Bay in Vladivostok, Russia’s far east, which allegedly caused damage to Russian military personnel and equipment.
The targeted destruction of high-value air defense assets like the Buk-M3, Pantsyr S1, and S-300V radar highlights Ukraine’s continued reliance on innovative drone warfare to challenge Russia’s control over occupied territories and diminish its ability to protect its forces and infrastructure from aerial threats.
