Operators of Ukraine's Chornyi Lis 15th Brigade have reportedly detected and destroyed russian 5N63S radar station, a critical component of the country's long-range air defense network.
The brigade published footage of the strike, showing the radar system being identified by aerial reconnaissance assets before being hit directly. According to the unit, the target was located on one of the active frontline directions during reconnaissance operations.
Read more: Ukrainian Drones Strike russian S-300V Radar, Tor System, and russian Command Posts (Video)
5N63S radar station serves as the engagement and guidance radar for russian strategic surface-to-air missile systems, including elements of the S-300 and S-400 air defense families. The system is responsible for detecting airborne targets, tracking them, and guiding interceptor missiles during engagements.
Military analysts often describe such radar systems as the "brain" of an air defense battery because they coordinate target acquisition and missile guidance. Without them, launcher vehicles alone are unable to operate effectively, significantly reducing the combat capability of the entire battery.
The destruction of the 5N63S radar is therefore considered more significant than the loss of an individual launcher. Replacing these systems is difficult due to their complexity, limited production capacity, and the need for trained personnel to integrate them into operational air defense networks.
According to the brigade, the radar station was destroyed with a direct strike. The released footage appears to show a precise hit, suggesting the use of high-accuracy strike assets coordinated with drone reconnaissance.
As Defense Express previously reported, Ukrainian forces conducted coordinated attacks on May 23-24, targeting the Tamanneftegaz oil terminal, ammo depots, UAV command posts, and ships in Novorossiysk.
Read more: Oil Terminal, Ammo Depots, and Warships Targeted in Ukraine's Latest Long-Range Strikes
