Ukrainian unit operating deep behind enemy lines has successfully destroyed russian Osa short-range surface-to-air missile system, underscoring the growing effectiveness of drone warfare against high-value air defense assets. The strike was carried out by the Skifski hryfony unit and publicly confirmed via its official communication channels.
According to the unit, the Osa system, designed to protect troops and critical facilities from aerial threats, was hit by a precision strike drone. Operating far from the front line, the attack highlights Ukraine's ability to penetrate defended areas and target assets traditionally considered relatively secure in the rear.
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The destroyed air defense system is estimated to be worth more than $10 million, making it a significant material loss for russian forces. In stark contrast, the strike drone used in the operation reportedly costs hundreds of times less, reinforcing the asymmetric economic logic increasingly shaping the war.
This single, well-executed sortie not only eliminated an element of the enemy's air defense network but also imposed disproportionate financial damage. Such losses are especially painful given the limited production capacity and logistical challenges facing russia's air defense sector under sustained pressure.
Beyond the immediate tactical success, the strike has broader operational implications. The removal of the Osa system can create temporary gaps in air defense coverage, potentially enabling follow-on drone or missile attacks against other high-value targets in the area.
As Defense Express previously reported, Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces continue to systematically dismantle russia's air defense network deep behind the front line, demonstrating a growing ability to strike high-value targets at operational depth.
On January 12, 2025, Ukrainian drone operators destroyed three key enemy systems across the Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk directions in what was described as a single coordinated combat episode.
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