Ukrainian drone operators have destroyed a rare russian counter-battery radar system deep behind the front line in Luhansk region. The strike was carried out by pilots of the separate special purpose detachment of the National Guard of Ukraine known as the Lasar's Group.
Footage of the strike was published on March 11 by the unit on social media, showing the engagement of russian radar station. The target was identified as the 1K148 Yastreb-AV counter-battery radar system, a modern russian radar designed to detect and track artillery fire.
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According to the report, the operation was conducted in coordination with the duty force control unit of the command post of the North Regional Radio Electronic Intelligence Center. Intelligence specialists provided information about the approximate deployment area of the radar system operating in Luhansk region.
After receiving the intelligence data, the drone operators from the Lasar's Group conducted additional reconnaissance to determine the precise location of the radar complex. Once the coordinates were confirmed, Ukrainian operators dispatched heavy bomber drones to attack the high-value target.
The first strike successfully hit the radar position, prompting russian personnel to attempt to relocate the system in an effort to save the equipment. However, Ukrainian operators adapted quickly and continued tracking the radar as it moved.
In a particularly creative maneuver, one of the Ukrainian pilots landed a bomber drone directly on the radar system. This allowed the operators to monitor the movement of the vehicle and follow its route, effectively turning the drone into an improvised tracking device.
Using the tracking information, the Lasar's Group launched additional strikes against the moving radar. Subsequent attacks ultimately destroyed the system, preventing it from continuing its mission of detecting Ukrainian artillery positions.
The 1K148 Yastreb-AV counter-battery radar system is estimated to cost around $50 million, making it a significant loss for russian forces. Its destruction also reduces russia's ability to detect and respond to Ukrainian artillery fire along this sector of the front.
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