On May 20, 2025, the Unmanned Systems Forces delivered a decisive blow to russian echeloned air defense network on the Donetsk axis. Operators from Charlie Company of the 14th Separate UAV Regiment, working closely with artillery scouts from the 15th Artillery Reconnaissance Brigade, successfully located and eliminated three surface-to-air missile batteries and a command-and-staff vehicle.
The first target was unmodified Tor system, capable of intercepting aircraft within 15 km. Later, more sophisticated Buk-M3 battery, with a 70 km engagement range, was destroyed. Finally, the S-300 system, tasked with neutralizing high-altitude aircraft and ballistic missiles up to 200 km away, was taken out. A secondary strike demolished the enemy's mobile command post for the air defense division, sowing confusion and creating gaps in russia's aerial shield.
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This operation showcases Ukraine's evolving drone warfare tactics: long-endurance UAV conduct real-time surveillance, relay precise coordinates to artillery units, and exploit vulnerabilities in the enemy's air defense grid.
Such targeted strikes against layered defenses are vital for securing air superiority and ensuring the safe deployment of Ukrainian aircraft and missiles. As Kyiv sharpens its drone-guided reconnaissance and strike capabilities, russia's attempts to fortify its positions with multi-tiered SAM networks face growing challenges and Ukraine's skies become progressively safer.
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