Operators of the Asgard Battalion from Ukraine's Nemesis Brigade have struck two high-value russian air defense assets in Donetsk region, marking another significant success for Ukrainian forces. The operation resulted in the destruction of the Tor short-range surface-to-air missile system and a radar station belonging to the S-350 Vityaz air defense system.
The strike was confirmed on the evening of January 1 by Major Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces. According to his statement, Ukrainian drones neutralized both systems on January 1, 2026, continuing a trend of targeted attacks against russia's layered air defense network.
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Robert Brovdi emphasized the importance of the destroyed targets, describing them as "extremely valuable" elements of russia's air defense. In particular, the hit on the 50N6E radar of the S-350 Vityaz system represents a serious blow, as this radar is a core component of a modern medium-range air defense system designed to counter aircraft and cruise missiles.
The S-350 Vityaz is a relatively new system in russian service, having been officially introduced around 2021 as a replacement for older Buk systems. It is designed to track and engage up to 40 targets simultaneously, significantly enhancing russia's ability to defend critical areas against air and missile threats.
The engagement envelope of the S-350 system allows it to intercept aerodynamic and ballistic targets at ranges of up to 60 kilometers and altitudes of up to 25 kilometers. These characteristics make it one of the more capable systems in russia's current air defense inventory, increasing the operational value of its destruction.
The Tor system, meanwhile, serves as a tactical, short-range air defense asset intended to protect troops and high-value equipment from precision-guided munitions and drones. Its loss further degrades russia's ability to shield frontline and rear-area assets from Ukrainian aerial attacks.
Robert Brovdi also noted that such air defense systems are typically deployed hundreds of kilometers behind the front line. As a result, Ukrainian forces used a "middle-strike" class munition with a warhead weighing several dozen kilograms, with some variants exceeding 100 kilograms, to ensure sufficient destructive power.
He stressed that vehicles of this type, lacking real armor protection, have little chance of remaining operational after such a strike. The successful attack underscores the growing reach, precision, and lethality of Ukraine's unmanned systems, as well as their increasing effectiveness against some of russia's most advanced and costly military equipment.
Read more: Ukrainian Drones Destroy russian Buk and Tor Air Defense Systems in One Hour (Video)
