Ukrainian drone operators from the Unmanned Systems Forces have destroyed two high-value russian air defense systems within the span of a single hour, striking on the Huliaipole and Orikhiv axes in Zaporizhzhia region.
The operation was carried out on December 31 by drone crews from the Asgard Battalion of the Nemesis 412th Regiment. The targets were russian Buk-M3 and Tor-M2 surface-to-air missile systems, both considered critical and costly elements of russia's layered air defense network.
Read more: russian Grad MLRS, Tanks, and IFVs Hit in Coordinated Ukrainian Drone Strike (Video)
The two systems were hit sequentially, demonstrating rapid target acquisition and strike execution. Ukrainian operators identified the air defense assets, tracked their positions, and conducted precision strikes before the systems could be relocated or adequately protected.
Russian Buk and Tor systems are designed to counter aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones, making them priority targets for Ukrainian unmanned units. Their destruction directly reduces russia's ability to shield frontline troops and rear-area logistics from aerial threats.
The strikes took place on two operationally important directions. Both the Huliaipole and Orikhiv axes have seen sustained fighting, and russian air defense assets in these areas are intended to protect troop concentrations, supply routes, and command elements.
By neutralizing these systems, Ukrainian forces not only inflicted material losses but also opened temporary windows of reduced air defense coverage. This creates more favorable conditions for follow-on drone strikes, artillery fire, and aerial reconnaissance.
As Defense Express previously reported, operators of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces have carried out a coordinated series of drone strikes against russian military and infrastructure targets across temporarily occupied territories in eastern and southern Ukraine, as well as in Crimea.
Read more: Unmanned Systems Forces Hit Oil Depot, Radar, and Troop Bases in Multi-Region Operation (Video)
