Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces continue to systematically dismantle key elements of russia's air defense. On one of the active front lines, operators of the Nemesis 412th Regiment struck two modern Tor-M2 surface-to-air missile systems, each worth about $25 million. As a result, one system was completely destroyed, while the other sustained heavy damage.
The Tor-M2 is a short-range air defense system capable of intercepting aerial targets at distances of up to 15 kilometers. Russia uses these systems to shield military units and critical infrastructure from Ukrainian aircraft, missiles, and drones.
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They also play an important role in protecting longer-range air defense systems, such as the S-300 and S-400, forming a layered defensive network.
Destroying or disabling such systems significantly reduces the effectiveness of russia's layered air defense. This creates more opportunities for Ukraine's drones, missiles, and aircraft to operate with reduced risk of being shot down. Each loss also inflicts major financial and industrial costs on russia, since new Tor-M2 systems cost tens of millions of dollars and are not produced in high numbers.
According to the Unmanned Systems Forces, the operation was carried out using innovative solutions. The details of the technologies involved remain classified for security reasons.
This adaptive approach allows Ukrainian operators to stay one step ahead, adjusting their tactics to battlefield conditions and the type of targets.
As Defense Express previously reported, paratroopers of Ukraine's 95th Separate Air Assault Brigade have destroyed a high-value russian Forpost reconnaissance drone during a recent engagement, then, in the fighters' words, "went looking for a new target". The strike was announced on the Brigade's official page and hailed by the unit as another successful strike against enemy intelligence assets.
The Brigade's rapid-response teams detected and engaged the Forpost system as it attempted to escape. According to the paratroopers, the drone briefly accelerated to speeds in excess of 160 km/h but was unable to evade the intercept.
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