According to information from its sources, Defense Express learned that during a combined missile attack on the morning of September 2, 2024, russian attackers used an 48N6DM missile from the S-400 system in a "surface-to-surface" mode to strike Kyiv. This missile was successfully destroyed by Ukrainian air defense systems.
We provide a photo that both confirms the use of such a dangerous missile by the enemy against Kyiv and shows that the 48N6DM was shot down by Ukrainian air defense.
Read more: Kharkiv Experienced its First Attack by the Grom-E1 Hybrid Missile
According to the official report from the Air Force, by the morning of September 2, there were reports that the russians used four 48N6DM missiles from the S-400 system and one missile of an unknown type, with the launch site reportedly located in Belgorod Oblast, russia.
The particular danger of the 48N6DM missiles from the S-400 is their extremely low accuracy when used in surface-to-surface mode, which primarily threatens civilian infrastructure and residents.
Moreover, missiles of this type have a relatively powerful warhead weighing 180 kilograms, equipped with a significant amount of fragments, which enhances the destructive effect when hitting civilian infrastructure.
Against this backdrop, it is important to note that Kyiv’s air defense is better protected compared to the capital of the aggressor country, Moscow. Kyiv successfully repelled a large-scale attack involving both ballistic and cruise missiles.
Conversely, during the massive drone strike on energy facilities in russia on September 1 this year, the russians were unable to defend even the Moscow Oil Refinery from being hit. Consequently, the Ukrainian drone attack on the GRES and oil refinery in Moscow resulted in significant fires.
The origin of the launch site for the S-400 missile strike on Kyiv remains unclear. Previously, reports indicated that the 48N6DM missile targeting the Ukrainian capital was launched from Bryansk Oblast, russia, which is only 45 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
Additionally, it is important to consider reports suggesting that russia has been developing a variant of the S-400 missile designed for surface-to-surface strikes. This variant is expected to feature an increased firing range and enhanced warhead power.
Read more: Ukraine’s Air Defenses Intercepted 32 out of 58 Missile and Drone Threats During a Coordinated Assault
