Ukrainian operators from the Unmanned Systems Forces have destroyed four russian short-range air defense systems, three Tor systems and one Osa, during operations in the temporarily occupied parts of Donetsk and Kherson regions. Footage of the strikes was released by the commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces, Major Robert Madyar Brovdi.
According to the published video, all the systems were on active combat duty at the time of the strikes. Despite being deployed specifically to counter aerial threats, russian Tor and Osa systems were unable to repel the incoming Ukrainian attack drones. The destruction of air defense systems while operational underscores both the effectiveness of Ukrainian strike UAV tactics and potential vulnerabilities in russian short-range air defense coverage.
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Tor system is designed to intercept aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles at short to medium ranges. It represents one of russia's primary tactical air defense platforms for protecting frontline units and critical assets.
Osa system, though older, remains widely used for similar battlefield air defense roles. Their loss directly affects local airspace control and reduces protective coverage for russian troops.
The footage shows differing reactions among crews. While the Osa crew appears to have detected the incoming threat and attempted to disperse, the Tor crews remained inside their vehicles. Regardless of response, the systems were struck and destroyed, indicating limited reaction time and possibly insufficient detection of low-signature UAV threats.
Geographically, two Tor systems and the Osa unit were destroyed in temporarily occupied areas of Donetsk region, while another Tor was eliminated in Kherson region. These areas remain active operational zones where russian forces rely heavily on layered air defense to shield logistics hubs, artillery positions, and troop concentrations.
As Defense Express previously reported, Ukrainian unmanned systems crews from the Phoenix unit continue to demonstrate high operational effectiveness in Donetsk region, targeting and destroying russian military equipment. Footage of their combat work was released on February 12 via the official channel of the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Read more: Footage Released February 12 Shows Coordinated UAV Strikes Against russian Artillery and Armored Systems (Video)
