Ukrainian forces continue to target russian air defense systems near the front line, with the Chornyi Lis 15th Brigade reporting the destruction of a mobile short-range surface-to-air missile system. According to the brigade, the target was russian Osa air defense system actively operating in the field.
Footage of the strike was released on March 19, showing the sequence of detection and engagement. The system had been deployed in an open area, likely to maximize radar coverage and improve its ability to detect aerial threats, particularly unmanned aerial vehicles.
Read more: Ukrainian SOF Strike russian S-400 System, Missile Command Post, and Ammo Depot in Night Raids Across Crimea and Zaporizhzhia (Video)
Visual evidence suggests that the Osa system was conducting combat operations at the time of the strike. The movement of its radar antenna indicates that it was actively scanning for targets, potentially attempting to track Ukrainian drones operating in the area.
Despite being in an operational state, the system was successfully engaged by Ukrainian strike drone. The munition struck the vehicle directly, causing visible damage and smoke, indicating that the system was at least partially disabled, if not completely destroyed.
The destruction of an Osa system is tactically significant, as these platforms are widely used by russian forces as a frontline air defense asset. Designed to counter low-flying targets, including drones, helicopters, and aircraft, the system plays a key role in protecting troops and equipment close to the line of contact.
As Defense Express previously reported, during the first two weeks of March, Ukraine's Defense Intelligence units continued a targeted campaign against russian air defense and support infrastructure in temporarily occupied Crimea. Operators from the Prymary unit carried out a series of precision strikes, focusing on degrading the enemy's ability to detect and counter Ukrainian unmanned systems.
Read more: Ukrainian Prymary Unit Destroy russian Valdai Radar, EW Station, GLONASS Node, UAV Relay, and BK-16 Boats in Crimea (Video)
